Environmental advocate.

I have extensive practical experience in conservation, recreation, education, and restoration management. My early career in outdoor education and leadership training reinforced my appreciation for nature and commitment to serving the environment and community, growing an understanding that we are the environment, the environment is us.

Over a 20-year period I managed two properties, the first a Coastal Farm Park (3,200 hectares), the second a dairy farm to beef conversion (320 hectares). Each property has unique ecological features and diverse conservation values including farmed pastoral land, offshore islands, a marine protected area, remnant coastal forests, wetlands, riparian margins, and significant archaeological features.

Our efforts focused on managing and preserving the conservation, recreational, and historic aspects of the properties. This included farm operations, with an emphasis on protecting threatened wetland and coastal species, such as the Pāteke (Brown teal), Matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern), Tuna (Long-finned eel), Tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel) and remnant broadleaf forest. This was accomplished all the while providing public access and enjoyment.

The second property was purchased by offshore owners whose ambition was to farm with permaculture/organic principals. To complete the purchase, we had to obtain approval from the Overseas Investment Office (OIO). This required several criteria be met including: the establishment of two large QE11 Trust blocks, the creation of a planted esplanade strip, installing public walkways to allow access to the river and the development of riparian restoration projects around the property's numerous waterways. This process, combined with the owners’ guiding land use principles demonstrated the need to connect clients with land fit for purpose, including the surrounding environments.

Throughout my career, I have learned that the perceived conflicts between restoring water quality, forest health, habitat creation, and commercial viability are just that. Perceived conflicts. By implementing thoughtful strategies - such as, stock management, soil health improvement, predator control, appropriate species selection and purchasing land that is fit for the intended purpose - these goals can coexist harmoniously. Our world is an interconnected ecosystem to which we belong, rather than one in which we live separately.

I bring a diverse range of skills and expertise to the work and am not afraid to challenge the status quo, or myself in order to find solutions to the combined environmental and commercial issues that we are faced with today.

chris@reland.co.nz

Weavership.

System Change is what sparks my mind. A Mastery of Business and Empathy (Small Giants Academy 2022) and leading a Te Mana o Te Wai programme within the iwi space has allowed my approach to take form through Weavership. Leadership and Strategy embodied as living systems.

My vocation is to restore the connection between people and land. Weaving alternative narratives with threads of old and new stories, context, aspirations, ecological truth and other passionate people to get meaningful reconnection.

Although (or because) my work is found more in the inner landscapes (the head and heart spaces), in other parts of life I am very much in my hands.

On the whenua, in the moana, with my whanau, making food, reconnecting with my why. These environments are the well of my inspiration.

I see a need for groups, businesses, and organisations as they navigate their way through the complexities of vastly changing landscapes. I’m here to meet them where they are, and support a transition into well living systems.

kelly@reland.co.nz

Spatial & administrative solutions.

I’m passionate about geospatial information systems and data and there are a few key things I’ve observed.

Firstly, it seems that many are unaware of the wealth of available data from authoritative sources here in Aotearoa - I’ve seen how even common data sets have the potential to add another element to an existing understanding.

Secondly, even when people know this data exists, accessing this information can be challenging. I believe that being able to access this kind of information and GIS tools could better inform decision making at all levels of our communities.

There are many people in the GIS space that inspire me, someone in particular is Duane Wilkins – Duane facilitates the Ngā Poutama Matawhenua workshop(s) that encourage and supports the development of GIS skills, what I find particularly cool about these, is that they are relative to in a real-world world context – In one class I attended he discussed the digitisation of historic survey maps where the original place names were captured – or at least the cartographers’ interpretations at the time. These maps, that are available for a small fee, could be incredibly valuable to hapū – especially in the reclamation of ingoa-tūturu.

My passion for geospatial data, its accessibility, and the impact it could have on decision-making in our communities, is my niche.

As we see the use of GIS based tools and technology grow, I would like to focus on executing the simple things, smart.

ashleigh@reland.co.nz

Landscape and garden design.

I see landscapes as living art forms, an extension of my work on canvas.

These spaces have allowed family and relationships to grow and have helped many people connect with nature.

To be a part of that community connecting with nature – re-discovering roots and oneself is an honor. To assist others in being with their surroundings, nurturing their relationship with the land is a privilege.

I have an eye for detail and extensive plant knowledge.

Through strokes of a brush or plants in soil, living art enhances not only our feeling of belonging, but also builds a place for the myriad of lifeforms that call earth their home. Cottage gardens or large landscape restoration projects – I love them all.