30 | Zolve Environmental T T Aimee Wilson Playing a key role in pest control REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Zolve Environmental has raised its environmental profile in just four years to become a leading partner in the National Wilding Conifer Control programme. Led by Zac Robinson, the South Canterbury-based company finds environmental solutions for companies across many industries, and forestry is a major part of that. A key operational partner with Environment Canterbury within the wilding control programme since 2022, Zolve Environmental has also just signed with Environment Southland to manage its Mid Dome project, starting in July 2026. THE PINNACLE OF PEST CONTROL AND CONSERVATION SERVICES Summit Contracting — Trusted experts in biosecurity and conservation. From ground control to large-scale predator eradication, our veteran team delivers strategic, equipment-ready solutions that safeguard New Zealand’s unique landscapes. 0273786104 admin@summitcontractingltd.com www.summitcontractingltd.com T T to page 32 “We are proud to be part of the delivery chain in the National Wilding Programme and the tangible impacts that have been achieved, which has been recognised with the recent announcement of additional government funding,” says Zac. The company provides end-to-end delivery project management, including operational planning, contractor management, Health & Safety oversight, data management and stakeholder engagement. Zac says they have been working hard on innovative ways to control some of the most intensive seed sources that have historically been put in the “too hard basket”. They have been working with contractors to implement cost-effective control options through utilisation of the wood product for renewable energy sources (biofuel). “We’ve made a name for ourselves by taking that stuff on – large seed sources from forests with no commercial value, and then leveraging and building a model to get that into the biofuel market.” It also results in cost-neutral harvesting by being able to offset the costs of wilding conifer control, and an example of this is the complex Mt Cook Station infestation. “Turning a pest problem into a renewable energy source is pretty cool,” Zac says. Zolve Environmental’s approach demonstrates excellence in environmental stewardship, innovation and large-scale biosecurity programme management. Originally from Hokitika on the West Coast, Zac worked as the national health, safety and environmental manager for Port Blakely, and then started his own company during the Covid pandemic. The port company became his first client – proving that his expertise and relationship-building success was widely recognised and sought after within the forestry industry.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=