RMA changes set to reshape statutory liability cover

By: Misha Henaghan and Matt Hutcheson As part of New Zealand Government’s planned reform of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), the first major step is the introduction of the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill (Bill). The Bill proposes a range of changes to consenting and planning rules, and two important […]

Federal court rules no duty of care to Torres Strait Islanders in landmark climate case

By: Amanda Beattie, James Clohesy and Clare McNamara Justice Wigney delivered his judgment in Pabai Pabai v Commonwealth of Australia (Pabai) yesterday, an important decision in the context of climate change litigation in Australia and for government agencies across the country. Pabai was brought as a class action on behalf of all Torres Strait Islanders alleging […]

Environmental Liability in Australia and New Zealand – Reference Guide 2025

As environmental liability broadens and environmental legislation tightens across Australia and New Zealand, businesses of all sizes and industries are increasingly vulnerable to regulatory action in the event of a pollution incident. That’s why we’ve released our Environmental Liability in Australia and New Zealand Reference Guide for 2025 – a resource outlining pollution offences, reporting and […]

Future Proof ‘25: Insurance and risk insights across Asia-Pacific

The future of insurance and risk in Asia-Pacific is here, and rapidly evolving. Are you ready? In a world marked by rapid technological advancement, innovation, evolving regulatory demands and increasing complexity across multiple risk sectors, Future Proof ’25 examines the diverse forces reshaping insurance and business landscapes. This report highlights emerging trends and critical challenges […]

PFAS litigation: A deep dive into the rise of consumer-led claims and its implications

By: Amanda Beattie, Zoe Jones and Nick Salagaras At a glance In December 2024, a consumer-led PFAS class action was filed against 3M Australia Pty Ltd in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Despite significant US litigation, this marks the first class action against 3M in Australia related to PFAS contamination and the first consumer-led PFAS […]

New Zealand Insurance Market Trends Update 2025: The key developments shaping the industry in Aotearoa

In a rapidly changing landscape, staying informed is essential to navigating the complexities of New Zealand’s insurance market. That’s why we’ve released our New Zealand Insurance Market Trends Update 2025 – a comprehensive analysis of the key developments shaping the industry in Aotearoa. Packed with valuable insights, the report delves into emerging legal trends, evolving […]

Environmental Liability in Australia – State Reference Guide 2024

With the widening scope of environmental liability and tightening of environmental legislation across Australia, businesses of almost any size and industry are becoming increasingly susceptible to regulatory action where a pollution incident has occurred. To help navigate the unique characteristics of each jurisdiction, we have launched Environmental Liability in Australia, a practical guide to environmental […]

NZ Insurance Market Trends Update 2023

We are pleased to share our latest edition of NZ Insurance Market Trends Update. Our annual report explores legal and claims trends, legislative and regulatory developments and significant recent decisions that impact insurers, underwriters, brokers and corporates operating in the New Zealand insurance market. Our report includes more than 30 articles that look at trends, […]

No novel duty owed: Full Federal Court upholds Minister’s appeal in Sharma

The Full Federal Court has unanimously overturned the landmark Sharma decision, which found the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment owed a duty of care to Australian children to avoid risk of personal injury when considering whether to approve a coalmine expansion. While this appeal concerned one Minister’s specific exercise of power under Commonwealth legislation – […]

W+K lawyers working with climate justice organisations to increase their impact

The meeting of world leaders at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference known as COP26 this week has been described as a forum which will decide the date of our planet. COP26 is being seen as the last chance to close the gap between the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming […]