An unprecedented Special Sitting of the Environment Court of New Zealand honoured Associate Professor Kenneth Palmer for his exceptional contribution in the fields of environmental, resource management, planning and local government law on 10 December.

Eminent members of the legal profession gathered in Auckland to commemorate Ken’s retirement after 46 years’ service as an academic at the Auckland Law School. He is retiring from full-time professorial duties to focus his full attention on legal writing and research.

A former student of his, Principal Environment Judge Newhook, presided and the court included Justices Randerson and Wylie, Chief Employment Court Judge Colgan, Environment Judges Smith and Kirkpatrick and Environment Commissioner Leijnen.

Peter Salmon QC, Bronwyn Carruthers, Andrew Brown QC, Dr Royden Somerville QC and Professor Barry Barton of Waikato University talked about Ken’s contribution to the legal profession as barrister, professor, editor and author.

The full transcript of the special sitting is at www.rmla.org.nz/upload/files/transcript_-_special_sitting_for_associate_professor_kenneth_palmer.pdf.