Program Overview

Course Overview

The Resource Management Law course, LAWS 318, is an examination of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the legal framework for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources in New Zealand.

Course Details

• Dates: 17 Nov 2025 to 21 Dec 2025
• Starts: Trimester 3
• Fees:
  • NZ$962.40 for domestic students
  • NZ$4,873.05 for international students
• Lecture Start Times:
  • Tuesday 8.30am
  • Wednesday 8.30am
  • Thursday 8.30am
• Campus: Pipitea
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 30.0 hours per week for 5 weeks
• Points: 15
• Availability: Limited entry

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: 60 LAWS 200-level points
• Corequisites: 60 further LAWS 200-level points, LAWS 301, or approval of the course coordinator
• Restrictions: None

About This Course

This course introduces the Resource Management Act 1991 and its framework for sustainable management of New Zealand's natural and physical resources. Topics covered include:

• Context and History
• RMA Overview and Structure
• Planning
• Resource Consents
• Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
• Reform Proposals

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Understand the basic concepts underpinning the RMA and consenting under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024
2. Understand the values considered in decision-making, including Māori concepts and interests
3. Understand decision-making roles and procedures, and opportunities for public participation
4. Identify responsibilities and processes for resource management planning and consents
5. Critically evaluate the RMA and Fast-Track Approvals Act's effectiveness and operation within NZ environmental law
6. Undertake research and make an effective written argument on a resource management topic

How This Course is Taught

The course involves lectures and class discussions, with lectures recorded and available for remote access. Teaching is delivered over 3 weeks, followed by a test and an essay.

Assessment

• Online Test: 50%, due Thursday, 11 December, 10-11:30 am
• Essay: 50%, due Thursday, 18 December, at 4:00 pm
• Mandatory Requirements: Complete the online test and the essay to pass the course

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 17 November 2025 to 7 December 2025

What You'll Need to Get

No specific texts or equipment are required for this course.

Past Versions of This Course

Older versions of this course may be accessible through the course archive.

Student Feedback

Previous students' feedback on this course can be found in the student feedback database.