Being an expert witness under the Resource Management Act 1991

Abstract

The interdisciplinary nature of environmental law is one of the factors that has prompted me to offer this course. My purpose has been to reach those working in the various areas of resource management recognising that there will be many different disciplines involved. My objective is to enhance the skills needed by these professionals to work in the legal environment. This is not a course for lawyers and it would be wrong for participants to believe that by undertaking this course they will be in a position either to offer legal advice or to act as advocates. The general intent of the course is to familiarise participants with several different areas in the legal environment including key legal topics and to hone the skills necessary for the preparation and presentation of expert evidence. I have had extensive experience as a Judge of the Environment Court adjudicating on a variety of proceedings under the Resource Management Act 1991 which provides the context for this course. Drawing on this experience, four topics have been chosen which it is anticipated will cover useful material and provide food for thought for those engaged on a daily basis in the practice of the many facets of resource management.