RMLA Conference 2026

The 2026 RMLA Conference | True North – Te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata brought the resource management community together in Te Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands for three memorable days of connection, conversation and reflection.

It was particularly significant to bring the RMLA Conference to Waitangi, a place of profound importance to Aotearoa New Zealand. Against the remarkable landscape and rich history of Te Tai Tokerau, attendees came together to consider the future of resource management at a time of significant change for the sector.

Our theme, True North | Te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata (the potential for tomorrow depends on what we do today), provided a fitting foundation for conversations about the direction ahead. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, fieldshops and shared experiences, the conference explored the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing legislative, planning and consenting environment, while creating space for different perspectives and meaningful discussion.

More than 350 attendees joined us across the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, making this a truly special gathering for the RMLA community. Just as importantly, the conference provided opportunities to connect with Te Tai Tokerau, its people, places and stories - experiences that gave greater meaning and context to the conversations taking place throughout the programme.

Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, partners and, fieldshop contributors and everyone who travelled to Te Pēwhairangi to be part of RMLA Conference 2026. Your contribution made the conference the success it was.

We leave Waitangi with new ideas, strengthened connections and plenty to reflect on as we continue to navigate the future of resource management in Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi nui,
RMLA Conference 2026 Committee