Connect locally with a Network of Passionate Individuals.
This technical event brings together legal and technical perspectives on expert witness work under the RMA.
Rachael will establish the legal framework and procedural requirements, while Richard will share real-world insights on the technical aspects—including common pitfalls, best practices, and lessons learned from complex consent hearings.
What You’ll Learn:
• Understanding the role of an expert witness in proceedings including legal obligations and standards expected of expert witnesses under the RMA and Environment Court Practice Note.
• Understanding what is required of expert witnesses in mediation, expert witness caucusing, council hearings and in the Environment Court.
• How to structure and present technical evidence that meets legal requirements while remaining relevant and understandable to commissioners and the Court.
• Common mistakes technical experts make and how to avoid them.
• Understanding what to expect in Court, including the purpose of cross-examination and how to remain calm under pressure.
• Balancing technical rigour with clear communication.
• Working effectively with legal counsel and understanding your role in the process.
• Case examples from recent projects and hearings processes.
Why Attend:
Whether you’re preparing for your first appearance as an expert witness or looking to refine your approach, this session offers practical guidance you can immediately apply. Learn from presenters who have successfully navigated both collaborative and contested hearings across diverse technical disciplines.
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Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and a selection of appetisers. Please note that this is not a formal dinner event.
BYO! To minimise our use of plastic, we encourage delegates to bring their own reusable water bottles and coffee cups.
Due to the venue’s security measures, make sure you arrive on time.
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Richard is a chartered geologist with over 20 years of relevant industry experience in the fields of engineering geology and contaminated site management in UK, Australia and New Zealand.
With experience working on some of New Zealand’s largest development, building and infrastructure projects, Richard has represented his clients at a range of consent hearings as expert witness for a range of land use proposals.
Richard regularly navigates the intersection of technical assessment and planning processes, working closely with local and regional councils on projects ranging from major infrastructure developments to sensitive contaminated land remediation.
As an accredited RMA decision maker, he brings practical insights from successfully presenting technical evidence on ground engineering matters in both collaborative and contested RMA hearings.
Rachael is Special Counsel at Cooney Lees Morgan, and practices in the fields of resource management, environmental law and local government law. Rachael advises clients, including a number of local authorities, on a wide range of maters including planning, consenting, regulatory, enforcement and environmental issues.
She regularly appears at council hearings, mediations and in the Environment Court; where she works with expert witnesses across a broad range of disciplines. Rachael and her colleagues at Cooney Lees Morgan regularly offer expert witness training to their clients and witnesses, ensuring that they understand the unique role they play in the litigation process and giving them the skills and strategies to navigate the process and confidently and effectively present their evidence.
ENGEO Bay of Plenty
20 Newton Street
Mount Maunganui 3116
New Zealand
ALGA Member: $45.00
Non-member: $90.00
Welcome Branch: $25.00
Student: $15.00
1 CPD point
