Since it was published in 2015 Environmental Law in New Zealand has gained a reputation as a ground-breaking, innovative commentary on the wide range of topics that encompass the field of environmental law. As with the first edition, Editors Peter Salmon QC and Professor David Grinlinton lead a team of expert authors to produce a work of outstanding scholarship and practical value to all those interested in keeping up to date with developments to New Zealand’s environmental law.

This new edition incorporates:

important changes to statute law that have occurred since the publication of the first edition, particularly the Resource Legislation Amendment Act 2017, which amended the Resource Management Act 1991, the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012, the Environmental Protection Authority Act 2011, the Conservation Act 1987, the Reserves Act 1977, and the Public Works Act 1981;
the development and application of the concept of bestowing legal rights and personality on natural objects (ie, the Wanganui River and Te Urewera National Park);
the Courts’ application of the Supreme Court’s decision in Environmental Defence Society v New Zealand King Salmon;
the continued use of special overriding legislation (ie, the Environment Canterbury (Transitional Governance Arrangements) Act 2016, Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act 2016, and two 2016 Acts dealing with the aftermath of the Hurunui/Kaikoura Earthquakes);
the development of new national planning standards;
important changes to the functions of regional and district councils;
the development of co-governance and other arrangements between Maori, regional and local government and central government decision-makers as part of Treaty of Waitangi settlements;
the development of several tracks for Councils to use for preparing regional policy statement, regional and district plans;
the law regarding freshwater management, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions;
the law of heritage protection;
and the law relating to genetically modified organisms (“GMOs”).
For these reasons Environmental Law in New Zealand (2nd edition) continues to serve as an authoritative reference for lawyers, the judiciary, law students and members of the general public who wish to gain insights into and an understanding of the rich tapestry that is environmental law in New Zealand.