True North Te pae Tawhiti, whāia kia tata
10 - 11 September 2026
Te Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands
This year’s conference brings the resource management community together to explore what lies ahead. Guided by True North Te pae Tawhiti, whāia kia tata, the focus is clarity, direction and the future of Aotearoa New Zealand.
With the 2026 RMLA Conference now just one week away, we are looking forward to welcoming practitioners, decision-makers and leaders to Te Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands.
In times of significant change, direction matters. Under the theme True North | Te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata (the potential for tomorrow depends on what we do today), the conference will consider what lies ahead for resource management in Aotearoa New Zealand as new legislation reshapes the planning, policy and consenting landscape.
Set against the remarkable landscapes and deep cultural history of Te Tai Tokerau, True North reflects both location and purpose — the search for direction and a reliable bearing through change. Together, we will consider the principles, challenges and opportunities that will shape the next chapter of resource management in Aotearoa.
This year, attendees will come together across two unique conference venues within the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The Waitaha Events Centre will host the live conference presentations in a traditional conference setting, while The Pavilion will offer a livestream of all sessions in a more relaxed Bay of Islands environment. Both venues will provide access to the full conference programme, with attendees based in the venue selected when they registered.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions, the programme will bring together leading voices from across the resource management sector to exchange perspectives, explore emerging issues and reflect on the future. Extended networking breaks will also provide opportunities for attendees from both venues to connect, share ideas and continue the conversation.
We look forward to welcoming you to Te Pēwhairangi Bay of Islands next week as we look ahead together.
Ngā mihi nui,
RMLA Conference 2026 - Committee