Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd v Taranaki-Whanganui Conservation Board - [2021] 1 NZLR 801

Environmental law — Exclusive Economic Zone — Marine consents and marine discharge consents — Application of purpose and Treaty provisions — Role of tikanga Māori — Grant of consents with conditions requiring collection of further information — Whether “adaptive management” — Whether other environmental regimes properly taken into account — Whether consents properly granted — Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 ss 10(1)(a) and (b), 12, 59(2)(a), (b) and (l) and 64(2).

Tikanga — Role of tikanga Māori as existing law in statutory interpretation — Exclusive Economic Zone — Marine consents and marine discharge consents — Application of Treaty provisions — Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 ss 12, 59(2)(a) and (l).

Meetings — Casting vote — Decision-making committee evenly decided — Whether chairperson required to consider matters afresh before exercising second and casting vote.