Integrated Resource Management: Collaborating with Other Practitioners
We regularly work collaboratively with consultants from other disciplines. In this way we can put together multi-disciplinary teams to offer a truly integrated approach to resource management. Other consultants we frequently work with include:
- Landscape architects
- Planners
- Ecologists
- Environmental impact assessment practitioners
- Economists (including those specialising in the rural sector)
- Engineers
- Horticultural scientists
- Other social researchers
We have a formal alliance with landscape architect Clive Anstey, ecologist Wren Green and Peter Handford, forest ecologist. Collectively, we are known as PLaCE Consultants.
We also have a long standing alliance with Nimmo-Bell & Company, specialists in agricultural economics.
Examples of Collaborative Projects
Bridging the gap between environmental knowledge and research, and desired environmental outcomes to achieve sustainable land management
2006 - 2008: Bridging the gap - research on methods and mechanisms needed to get environmental knowledge and research translated into desired environmental outcomes to achieve sustainable land management. This three year project undertaken with Nimmo-bell & Company, Clive Anstey and Ag-Research involved a literature review on the theory of behaviour change and adoption together with an analysis of sustainable land management policies adopted in other countries; 13 studies involving groups of farmers throughout the country to test the conclusions from phase one; and discussions with a wide range of stakeholder organisations and agencies on the findings of the research and the implications of those findings for current policies and practices.
Evaluation of HNZC Community Renewal Programme
2005: Feasibility Study and Project Design for an evaluation of the Community Renewal Programme for Housing New Zealand Corporation. This is the first step in an on-going evaluation of the Programme. The first full evaluation is due in early 2006. The evaluation is based on a cluster group approach involving HNZC staff, tenants and representatives from partner organisations. Dianne Buchan is managing the evaluation project team which comprises staff from Connell Wagner Ltd. and Michelle Rush
Social and Economic Costs of School Fires
This study sought to identify the range and extent of costs to schools and communities of fires, both deliberate and accidental. Involved extensive consultation with school principals, teachers, boards of trustees, children and others from schools across New Zealand (in conjunction with the NZ Institute of Economic Research).
Horticultural Industry Studies
Corydon collaborated with Hort+Research scientists and agricultural economists David Webber International and Nimmo-Bell and Co on a series of studies of horticultural industries: Pukekohe Onions, Central Otago Summerfruit, and Central Otago Wine. Each study:
- sought to determine the interdependence between the industry and its associated local community;
- identified risks to the industry and associated risks to the community;
- examined risk management strategies appropriate to the long term viability of the industry and the community;
- identified the factors which constrained growers and other industry players from adopting these risk management strategies; and
- identified areas where further research was needed in order to address specific risks.
Wellington Riparian Margins
Corydon collaborated with ecologist Wren Green of EcoLogic Conservation Consultants and landscape architect Clive Anstey (collectively known as PLaCE Consultants) to assess the riparian zones of Wellington’s rural streams. The purpose was to assist the City Council in setting priorities for negotiating esplanade strips and/or taking esplanade reserves. Riparian zones were evaluated in terms of:
- ecological significance;
- potential for ecological restoration
- flood risk; and
- public recreational value.
Evaluating Change Towards Sustainable Land Management Practice
An assessment of sustainable land management projects funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry for the Environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness (including cost-effectiveness) of sustainable land management groups funded by the Sustainable Management Fund. Corydon Consultants Ltd’s part of the study focussed on identifying the factors which encouraged or inhibited landowners changing to more sustainable land management practices.
Women and Self Employment
Project management of a study of Women and Self Employment undertaken for the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women. This involved co-ordinating the work of six researchers (including Maori and Pacific Island researchers) to collect information from women in six ethnic groups in rural and urban areas throughout NZ.