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We help you work out what you want to achieve and how to get there.

We specialise in providing policy, strategy, and planning advice to the environmental sector, as well as carrying out any research, analysis and evaluation needed to move projects forward. We have expertise in developing effective roadmaps to make things happen, transforming policy and strategy into action.

We believe that simple solutions are often the best solutions.

We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to make your life easier and commit to delivering what you need, on time, at a reasonable cost. High quality, reliable consultants shouldn’t cost the earth!

What we do

We have 20+ years of experience of working within local and central government, private industry, and research environments, both in New Zealand and the UK. We have particular expertise in biodiversity, biosecurity, conservation, ecology, and waste management. The services we offer include:

Policy expertise

Development, analysis and review of national and regional policy; analysis of the impact of public policy; stakeholder engagement; preparation of submissions

Strategic advice

Development, analysis and review of national and regional strategies; strategic direction for business; situational analysis; feasibility and options analysis; stakeholder engagement; developing key actions required to achieve the desired results; monitoring and reporting on progress.

Council process

Long-Term Plans, Annual Plans and Reports, Council advice (Council papers / reporting to governance).

Biosecurity planning

Preparation and review of Pest Management Plans under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and National Policy Direction 2015.

Writing and editing

Formal reporting to boards/governance and cabinet papers; uncomplicated communication for the general public; scientific and technical publications.

Data management

Design and set up of databases and data management systems; translation of large and complex datasets into simple-to-use and intuitive systems.

Research

Asking the right questions; data collection and analysis; interpretation of complex information into simple language; understanding the wider context; identifying solutions to problems.

Project and programme management

Building programmes of work to achieve large-scale goals, project design and planning, set up of simple project management tools to keep track of your project plan, timeframes, and budgets, manage project risks and fulfil reporting needs.

Funding applications

Compiling applications that tick the right boxes and give you the best chance of getting the result you want.

Who we are

Helen specialises in research – asking the right questions, gathering information, and then analysing and interpreting it to gain insights and identify solutions. She enjoys writing, and is experienced in both technical reporting, as well as translating complex information into simple and clear messages for a wider audience.

Helen started off life as an academic, completing a PhD that looked at carbon cycling within forests, and working within an ecological research group at the University of Leeds, UK. After moving to New Zealand in 2008, Helen became involved in biodiversity and conservation management, through various roles at the Department of Conservation and as an independent consultant.

Chris’ expertise is providing policy and strategic advice to organisations, gained from over sixteen years in operational and strategic roles. He is a firm believer in the benefit of practicality and simplicity and avoiding overly complex rhetoric. It’s important to balance goals that aim high, with the reality of implementation.

He began his professional career in a large environmental consultancy in the UK, specialising in contaminated land and environmental risk management. After relocating to New Zealand, Chris made the move into the public sector, and has worked in various regional council roles, including hazardous substances and waste management, and strategy, policy and planning (biodiversity & biosecurity), as well as a secondment working on central government policy.