Proceedings from Past Conferences

2022

Wellbeing, sustainability and impact assessment: Towards more integrated policy-making
Wellbeing and sustainability are important considerations for policy-making in many countries, including New Zealand. But they have become more prominent in recent years, examples being the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the adoption of a wellbeing approach by the New Zealand Treasury.

2021

Assessing social impacts for improved decision making
Decisions in coming years will have implications for individuals, families and communities, both intended and unintended. The adverse social impacts from policies, plans or projects can often undermine their intended outcomes and erode public support. On the other hand, positive social outcomes can help balance other environmental and economic costs.
2019
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Assessing the Impacts
We are now working to formulate long-term plans and responses to climate change. But what are the impacts of the response mechanisms we choose? Adaptation and mitigation strategies that result in adverse social, cultural, or economic impacts are less likely to be effective.

2018

UnIntended Consequences: Impact Assessment for Sustainable Regional Futures 

In the context of the launch of the Provincial Growth Fund, this conference considered the opportunities and challenges in applying impact assessment to regional development.

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In 2017, NZAIA supported the EIANZ Conference in Wellington, so did not organise its usual annual conference. 

2016

Strategic Environmental Assessment in New Zealand: Enhancing Policies and Plans 
Anticipating and managing the impacts of development and change on the environment, society and the economy is essential at the strategic level as well as for projects. This conference considered how well strategic environmental assessment is used in New Zealand and the Pacific.  

2015

Impact Assessment in New Zealand: Charting a Course for the Future 
The field of impact assessment is expanding and evolving, although in some respects practice in New Zealand may be falling behind international trends.  This conference reflected on the following questions: 
  • What has been achieved in New Zealand?
  • How do we as New Zealanders develop a shared vision about the future practice of impact assessment?
  • What practical steps can NZAIA take to support that vision?​

2014

Joining the Dots: Assessing and Managing the Impacts of Transport Infrastructure Development 
This conference examined how the impact assessment process is coping with the demands being placed on it by the government's emphasis on infrastructure development. 

2013

Freshwater - Fresh Thinking : Enhancing Impact Assessment in Water Management 
This conference explored opportunities and challenges in the practice of impact assessment for effective freshwater management - covering environmental, social, cultural, health and economic impacts.

2012

Assessing the Impacts of Petroleum and Mineral Extraction in New Zealand
In the context of amendments to the Crown Minerals Act and several high profile projects, this conference looked at the structures, processes and baseline information for managing  the impacts of petroleum and mineral extraction activities.