Aotearoa’s environmental legislation is changing significantly, with RMA reform reshaping how we plan for, manage, and protect our natural environment. These reforms will directly impact how environmental professionals work - from policy and planning to assessment, consenting, and implementation - for decades to come.

If you’re a student or early-career environmental professional, your voice matters. This is the legislation you’ll be working with throughout your career, and EIANZ wants to hear from you, as it prepares submissions for key bills.

EIANZ is hosting an online, supportive, and informal introduction session designed specifically for Students and Early Careers members who want to learn what submissions are, why they matter, and how to get involved.

The webinar will cover:

• An introduction to current legislation open for submission, including the Natural Environment Bill;
• How the EIANZ submissions process works;
• What to read (and how to approach it) without feeling overwhelmed;
• How students and young professionals can get involved and contribute, regardless of experience.

Meet the Speakers

Connor Whiteley is EIANZ’s New Zealand Chapter President and the Environmental Manager for Auckland Council’s Wai Ora Healthy Waters programme. Connor has over 13 years of experience in ecological and environmental science, having worked in both consultancy and regulatory roles. Actively involved in EIANZ’s submissions work, Connor is passionate about helping students and early-career practitioners understand policy processes, build confidence, and contribute their perspectives to environmental decision-making. He will also be joined by several senior specialists to provide their perspective around submission development.

Raymond Chang is an Environmental Consultant at Beca, where he works across infrastructure, environmental, and consenting projects throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. His role sits at the intersection of environmental science, planning, and engineering, supporting projects from early feasibility through to delivery. He is passionate about supporting students and early-career professionals and will share honest insights on building technical confidence, navigating multidisciplinary teams, and developing a career in the environmental sector.

This event will run off New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) and will run for 1 hour. This webinar will be recorded and the recording will be made available to all registered attendees in the days after the webinar.

Not an EIANZ member?

Consider joining as a student, associate or full member today! To receive the member rate to the webinar make sure you apply for membership prior to registering for the event! Join here →

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