Trusted ecological advice

We work alongside planning and environmental professionals to provide the ecological expertise needed to support resource consent applications, land development projects and environmental planning processes.

Our clients include planning consultants, landscape architects, environmental consultants, surveyors, lawyers and local authorities who require specialist ecological advice as part of a wider project team. We provide ecological assessments, ecological impact assessments, environmental management plans and practical biodiversity advice that helps inform sound planning decisions and supports regulatory requirements.

We understand the importance of delivering clear, evidence-based advice that integrates effectively with planning, engineering and landscape design. Our input helps identify ecological constraints and opportunities, develop practical mitigation and enhancement measures, and achieve positive environmental outcomes alongside responsible development.

Where required, we also provide expert input into council hearings, regional planning processes and Environment Court proceedings, offering independent ecological advice that is practical, well-reasoned and grounded in current best practice.

We work with commercial organisations and corporate landowners that need practical ecological expertise to meet environmental obligations while supporting responsible land management. Our clients include infrastructure providers, energy companies, industrial businesses, commercial property owners, tourism operators and other organisations managing land with ecological values.

Many projects arise through resource consent requirements for new developments, site expansion or ongoing operations. We provide ecological surveys, assessments and management plans that help organisations understand their environmental responsibilities and demonstrate compliance with consent conditions and regulatory requirements.

Our services also include advice on biodiversity enhancement, native planting, pest and weed management, habitat restoration and long-term ecological monitoring. Where appropriate, we work alongside iwi and hapū to recognise cultural values and support meaningful engagement throughout the project.

Our focus is on delivering practical, scientifically informed solutions that protect ecological values, meet regulatory obligations and contribute to positive environmental outcomes.

We work with farmers who want practical, knowledgeable advice to help protect and enhance the ecological value of their land. Whether you operate a sheep and beef farm, dairy farm, deer property, high-country station or horticultural enterprise, we can provide support tailored to your goals.

Some farmers engage us to complete ecological assessments, surveys or management plans to support resource consent applications. Others are looking to restore riparian margins, enhance existing native bush, protect QEII covenant areas, or improve biodiversity across their property. Many simply want an experienced ecologist to walk the land with them, identify what they have, discuss its ecological significance, and explore practical opportunities for improvement.

Every property is different. Our role is to understand your land, your objectives and your farming operation, then provide practical advice and services that help you achieve lasting ecological outcomes while working alongside the realities of productive farming.

We work with lifestyle block owners who want to unlock the ecological potential of their property and create a landscape that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Some clients come to us because they have environmental obligations associated with a subdivision or building project, such as enhancement planting, pest control or weed management. Others have purchased a property with areas of degraded land and want practical advice on how to restore and improve it.

For many, ecological restoration is a personal passion. They want to establish native forests, create habitat for birds and other wildlife, protect streams and wetlands, encourage rare or threatened native species, or simply enjoy seeing their property become healthier and more diverse over time. We also assist landowners with the establishment and enhancement of QEII National Trust covenants and provide advice on long-term management of these special areas.

Some lifestyle block owners are looking to reduce the ongoing maintenance of pasture by transitioning parts of their property into self-sustaining native vegetation. Others simply want to understand what ecological values already exist on their land and explore practical opportunities to enhance them.

Whatever your vision, we work alongside you to develop realistic, long-term solutions that reflect your property's unique character, your goals and the legacy you hope to leave for future generations.

We work closely with regional and local government to support biodiversity enhancement, ecological restoration and sustainable land management across Otago. Our role often involves acting as the link between landowners and council staff, helping clients access funding opportunities while ensuring projects are well planned, practical and environmentally effective.

We regularly assist clients with applications to environmental funding programmes, including the Otago Regional Council Eco Fund and the Dunedin City Council Biodiversity Fund. This includes preparing project proposals, developing restoration plans, providing ecological advice and completing the reporting required throughout the life of a funded project.

Our work involves regular collaboration with council environmental staff, project facilitators and planning teams to ensure projects align with relevant policies, management plans and environmental objectives. By understanding both the practical realities of restoration and the expectations of funding providers, we help clients deliver projects that achieve lasting ecological outcomes and make the best use of available funding.

We work with property developers to integrate high-quality ecological outcomes into residential and commercial developments. From the early planning stages through to on-the-ground implementation and ongoing monitoring, we provide practical ecological expertise that helps projects meet regulatory requirements while creating lasting environmental value.

Many developments require ecological assessments, biodiversity enhancement, reserve planning or environmental management plans as part of the resource consent process. We work alongside developers, planning consultants and project teams to design practical solutions that satisfy consent conditions and support successful project delivery.

What sets Monowai apart is our ability to carry those plans through to completion. In addition to preparing ecological management plans and planting strategies, we can implement native planting, pest and weed management programmes, and establish long-term maintenance and monitoring to ensure ecological objectives are achieved.

The result is an integrated approach that simplifies project delivery, provides confidence throughout the consent process, and helps create healthy, attractive landscapes that enhance the long-term value of new developments for future residents and communities.

We work with community groups, environmental trusts, incorporated societies, catchment groups, iwi, hapū and other organisations that are committed to protecting and enhancing New Zealand's natural environment.

Many organisations have ambitious environmental goals but do not have access to specialist ecological expertise within their own team. We provide practical advice, ecological assessments, restoration planning and project support to help turn those aspirations into successful, well-managed projects.

We also assist organisations to identify and apply for environmental funding, prepare project plans, and develop practical strategies for biodiversity enhancement, native planting, pest and weed management, and long-term ecological restoration. Where required, we work collaboratively with project partners and stakeholders to ensure projects are well planned, achievable and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.

Whether supporting a community-led restoration initiative or providing specialist ecological advice for a larger environmental programme, our aim is to help organisations build healthy, resilient landscapes that benefit both people and nature.