Bluewattle Ecology
Kessels and Associates Limited (now trading as Bluewattle
Ecology) was established in 1998, by Gerry Kessels and Helen
Percy, who remain as directors today.
Gerry offers robust technical expertise combined with a flair
for solving problems. He prides himself on finding solutions that
create effective partnerships and sustain the natural
environment.
We understand that the land has many values, including
economic, cultural and ecological. Our approach has gained the
respect of entrepreneurs, land owners, decision-makers and
interest groups alike.
We provide innovative solutions for
environmental effects assessment, ecological monitoring and ecological restoration
founded on experience, trust and integrity
‘Our approach is direct and practical, enabling us to work with
all types of people and organisations to find ecologically
beneficial solutions to land use and development as well as guide
policy and restore degraded ecosystems.’
Services
- Terrestrial vertebrate biology
(indigenous avifauna and bats) - Broad vegetation type assessment
- Conservation policy development
- Ecological significance assessment
- Environmental impact assessment
- Ecological management plans
- Mitigation design, including
biodiversity offset mitigation - Windfarm strike-risk modelling
- Landowner consultation
- Independent commissioner
What we do
Assessment of Environmental Effects
Assessments of Ecological Effects (AEEs) aim to identify, quantify, and assess any potential adverse
impacts of proposed actions such as infrastructure developments on ecosystems and their
functioning components. Bluewattle Ecology are experienced, knowledgeable and skilled in
undertaking AEEs in a broad range of environments from rural to urban and the mountains to the sea.
Ecological mitigation and compensation offsetting modelling
We have extensive experience in developing ecological mitigation and offsetting measures for adverse
effects. Following the offsetting hierarchy to avoid, remedy, mitigate, offset, or compensate, we can
offer innovative solutions suitable for all ecosystems and client needs. Our focus is on working
collaboratively through the design process with our clients, taking policy requirements into account
from the outset.
Restoration and Conservation
Restoration and conservation projects are at the heart of our company. We offer broad expertise on
the protection and rehabilitation of all types of ecosystems, including terrestrial, aquatic, estuarine and
wetland ecosystems. We have experience in a wide range of restoration projects. These include
habitat design, pest management plans targeting plant and animal pests, constructed wetlands,
integrated catchment management plans, and biodiversity plans for farms.
Funding applications
Bluewattle Ecology can assist with preparing funding applications for a variety of restoration and
ecological enhancement projects. We have prepared applications and been successful in securing
funding from the Department of Conservation, Waikato River Authority and Waikato Regional Council’s
Environmental Initiatives Fund. We can guide you through the entire process from planning, budgeting,
sourcing of plants, organising planting days and implementing pest control.
Sustainable farming and biodiversity plans for farms
Sustainable farming plans are increasingly a requirement to comply with regional policy plans. Our
team recognises the challenges of running a successful farming business while meeting environmental
and regulatory requirements. We can offer our broad terrestrial and aquatic expertise to compose on-
farm plans that include riparian management, biodiversity management and pest control. Our plans
guide best practice management of farms resulting in healthier terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems,
both on the farm and beyond. We offer solutions that achieve these outcomes with the overall farm
management and financial planning in mind.
Conservation Lot Subdivision Assessments
Various district councils have provisions to grant additional lot titles to landowners that protect,
covenant, and manage indigenous forest and wetland systems on their land, subject to certain
conditions. Gerry is experienced in the assessment of potential sites, report writing and case support,
liaising with planners and councils to achieve the best outcomes for landowners and the conservation
of these significant sites.
Policy, Resource Consents & Hearings
We can offer technical inputs and advice on policy matters, resource consent applications, and supply
evidence for hearings including Environment Court hearings.
Resource Consents and Compliance
We provide technical reports and assessments to support applications for resource consents, and
offer ongoing monitoring and reporting to document compliance with consent conditions. Projects
that we have assessed in the resource consenting and compliance process include road
infrastructure construction, quarry operations, mining applications, windfarm construction, sand
extraction, subdivision developments, water abstraction, water and wastewater treatment plant
discharges, and modifications to watercourses.
Ecological Management of Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure projects require comprehensive assessment and management of all adverse
ecological effects related to the construction and operation of the project. Gerry is experienced in
guiding this process from the design stage through to ongoing monitoring of operation on a range of
infrastructure projects including large developments such as the construction of major roads and
windfarms. We offer broad management of all terrestrial and aquatic (including freshwater, estuarine
and coastal) ecosystem effects, including management of indigenous fauna during the construction
process and associated Wildlife Authority authorisations.
Significant Natural Area Assessments
Councils across New Zealand have assessed or are in the process of assessing their regions to
determine the size, type, and location of any significant biodiversity areas that currently offer habitats
for indigenous flora and fauna. We have been led numerous inventories of significant natural areas
around the North Island, using a combination of GIS aerial mapping, thorough background research,
land owner consultations, and ground truthing surveys.
Mediation and Caucusing
We can offer our technical expertise and knowledge to aid any process of mediation and caucusing
in relation to questions of ecology, conservation, resource consenting, and environmental policy and
planning. Gerry Kessels is a veteran of multiple hearing processes and is committed to working
constructively with all involved parties to reach an agreeable solution.
Ecological surveys and monitoring
We have in-depth knowledge and experience in a wide range of ecological surveys and monitoring
of freshwater, wetland, coastal, estuarine, terrestrial ecosystems in urban and rural settings. We offer
all aspects of ecological assessments including survey design, assessments, statistical data analysis,
reporting and on-going monitoring.
Strategic Partners
Bluewattle Ecology complements in-house expertise through
partnerships with specialised professionals in the following areas:
- Geographic Information Systems
- Drone Surveys
- Aquatic Biota Surveys & Water Quality
- Lizard Surveys
- Radio and GPS Tracking of Bats and Birds
- Biostatistics