| 59 BBO has been working for the last decade on the Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway. The project is now completed and was opened to the public in February 2020. Bloxham, Burnett & Oliver DEVELOPMENT In addition to being a leading provider of a range of professional ecological services throughout the country, Ecology New Zealand also boasts significant expertise in specialist areas, says company manager and principal ecologist Simon Chapman. In particular the team’s experts include leading herpetologists who are suitably qualified and experienced ecologists for RMA consent conditions to salvage and relocate lizards (skinks and geckos) away from works areas and top level bat expertise including in-house Level 5 / Class E bat ecologist competency. This helps the company to get many large and complicated projects across the line for its clients by front footing potential issues and providing the relevant expertise. “By getting involved early in the concept or feasibility stage we can identify issues and opportunities on projects, providing government and private sector clients with the ecological expertise required to meet RMA requirements as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Clients such as Bloxam Burnett & Olliver recognise the value we can offer and how it streamlines the process of consents and planning approval,” says Simon. Simon, who has over 20 years of experience as a professional ecology consultant and has been involved in some of New Zealand’s largest and most complex projects, says that the Ecology NZ team has strong expertise in assessing and managing the environmental effects of land and infrastructure development on small-scale subdivisions right up to roading projects of national significance. The team’s abilities are well proven, but it is its strength in effectively communicating scientific and sometimes complex topics to decision-makers that is its real point of difference. This is demonstrated by the strong demand for Ecology NZ’s skills as a peer reviewer and as an expert ecologist for council, EPA and Environment Court hearings. “Our expertise in standard ecological matters such as vegetation, birds, streams and wetlands is second to none but we also cover highly specialised requirements such as lizards, bats, frogs and invertebrates. From due diligence and feasibility through to design, consenting, construction and compliance, our expertise covers terrestrial, freshwater and restoration ecology.” Ecology NZ is presently working with Bloxam Burnett & Olliver on Peacocke, a new suburb of Hamilton, which, when completed, will be home for more than 20,000 Hamiltonians. The Peacocke programme will deliver a new bridge, main roads, parks, and strategic water, wastewater and stormwater networks. Other work includes protecting and enhancing the environment, including the extensive gully system. North Island: 021 436 841 | South Island: 021 889 018 • Terrestrial • Freshwater • Wetlands • Restoration Ecology New Zealand Email: info@ecologynz.nz | www.ecologynz.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=