In this episode of In Your Neighbourhood Series, discover how two recent Government policies will drastically change the look and feel of New Zealand cities and their surroundings. We talk to Bridget Parham, Partner, and Wendy Embling, Senior Associate, both experienced RMA and Environment lawyers.

We delve into the Medium Density Residential Standards, which will result in much more densely populated cities with taller builds and smaller sections, and the National Policy Statement on Urban Development, which will stop urban creep. Learn how these changes might help solve New Zealand’s housing crisis, the controversy around these policies, and when we're likely to see building start under the new rules.

Listen to our recent episode to see how these policies will impact your neighbourhood.

In our third episode of Off the Clock, Commercial Property Partner Scott Ratuki does a deep dive into the current housing crisis in New Zealand, and the challenges surrounding the building consent system. Hear about the factors contributing to the broken consent process, the impact of supply shortages, and how these issues have intensified the crisis. As they discuss the government's review and its limitations, Scott emphasises the need for a flexible and innovative approach driven by industry professionals.

Tune in to explore potential solutions that could reshape New Zealand's housing landscape and pave the way for a sustainable future.

The Future of Neighbourhoods in New Zealand: Insights into the Replacement of the RMA

In this episode, environment and RMA partner Theresa Le Bas shares her insights into the New Zealand government's decision to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) with three new Acts. One of these is the Natural and Built Environment Bill, which includes several changes that will affect both councils and residents. One of the changes removes protection for private views, meaning that neighbors can construct a development without considering its impact on a resident's view. Additionally, councils will no longer be able to consider adverse effects from social or emergency housing.

While the government is attempting to prevent NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) with these changes, experts believe it risks preventing the assessment of basic needs, such as adequate play space for children, management of crowding, and provision for personal safety and well-being. To learn more, listen to our latest episode below.

Our first episode of series 3: In your Neighbourhood, explores the topic of managed retreat as a way to protect vulnerable communities from climate change risks. As New Zealand recovers from the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, climate change and its potential impact on communities are increasingly pressing issues.

The Government has released its first National Adaptation Plan, which covers how New Zealand will adapt to its most significant climate change risks. However, the NAP has faced criticism for its lack of practical action, particularly around managed retreat. Managed retreat, which involves abandoning at-risk residential areas, is one of the options for mitigating climate change risks in a number of communities throughout NZ, however the Government’s failure to properly address managed retreats costs and strategies in the NAP will make it harder for councils to future-proof their vulnerable communities.

Tompkins Wake Senior Associate Jill Gregory sits down with Special Counsel Catherine Bryant to discuss the impact that climate change may have in your neighbourhood.

The Fair Pay Agreements Act, the biggest employment law change in decades, takes effect on 1 December, 2022. Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) have the potential to fundamentally change New Zealand’s employment landscape by setting minimum terms and conditions for all employees in a particular industry or occupation. Part two covers the bargaining process for employers.

Tompkins Wake Partner Daniel Erickson talks through the upcoming changes of the new Act in our second episode on the Fair Pay Agreements Act.

The Fair Pay Agreements Act, the biggest employment law change in decades, takes effect on 1 December 2022. Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) have the potential to fundamentally change New Zealand’s employment landscape by setting minimum terms and conditions for all employees in a particular industry or occupation. Host Catherine Bryant speaks with Tompkins Wake Employment Partner Daniel Erickson on the particulars of the Fair Pay Agreements, including who will be covered, what will be included and who has the power to start the FPA process in our special two-part episode.

When the threat of another recession is looming and cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, how do you strategically plan to ensure your business is resilient?

No one can predict exactly if or when a downturn will occur and how long it will last but understanding those risks and preparing for them in advance is key.

Tompkins Wake Special Counsel Mark Lowndes and Rob McDonald, Former CFO of Air New Zealand, now Chair of Contact Energy and Board member of Fletcher Building, share their unique insights in our sixth podcast episode.

When your business is suffering, how do you make sure you're being a good boss? Transparency and communication are key. As is the way in which the message is delivered. Hear how Flight Centre navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and the decisions that enabled the company to come through the pandemic and return 85% of their employees.

Tompkins Wake Partner Daniel Erickson and Flight Centre General Manager of Leisure Brands Heidi Walker share their first-hand experiences in our fifth podcast episode.