Berry Simons continues sponsorship of EDS Conference dinner

A number of Berry Simons’ team attended the EDS Conference 2023: Pivot Point in March. The conference focused on issues relevant to the period of deep change in Aotearoa New Zealand as our country undergoes the transition from a carbon-intensive economy to carbon-zero.

For the third conference running, Berry Simons was delighted to sponsor the conference dinner, with Sue Simons again assuming the role of MC for the evening.

At the dinner, Sue spoke of Berry Simons’ close links with EDS, having worked closely with them on RMA Reform, and now acting for EDS in important declaration proceedings in the Environment Court that will test the extent to which ECan is required to monitor and enforce the Rakaia Water Conservation Order.

Sue also noted Berry Simons’ long involvement with EDS including, not coincidentally, Simon Berry appearing for EDS in the Court of Appeal as far back as 1987, in relation to appeals against the original Rakaia Water Conservation Order, the subject of current proceedings.

New Zealand sailors Blair Tuke and Peter Burling joined Sue on stage to discuss their ocean conservation charity, Live Ocean Foundation, and Live Ocean’s project to raise funds with Southern Seabirds Solutions Trust to save the endangered Antipodean Albatross. The plight of the Antipodean Albatross was driven home by a very powerful video which was played at the dinner.

After dinner, the Chief Executive of WWF-New Zealand, Kayla Kingdon-Bebb, joined Sue on stage for a discussion about how New Zealand can implement the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and what this may look like.

Partner Sue Simons says, “We value our relationship with EDS and very much admire the work that they do. We are happy to be involved in their very worthwhile initiatives, particularly litigation as important as the Rakaia Water Conservation Order declaration proceedings that Kate Storer and Olivia Gunn are working on now.”