Meet the Boffa Miskell Ecology Team: Kathryn Reeve

Assessing and managing the impacts we impose on environments to ensure sustainable outcomes and good decision-making inspired Kathryn's move from research-based work into the consulting world.

While earning her Master’s degree at the University of Waikato, Kathryn investigated the effects of coastal erosion to the Ohope Spit in the Bay of Plenty — a topic that links back to a childhood spent near the sea.

“I grew up in a small coastal village called Haumoana, Hawkes Bay and have always had an interest in animals and nature,” she says. “My very early years were spent living on Cape Kidnappers station so I saw conservation first hand with coastal in-shore reefs as my playground and gannet colonies nearby.”

“I always wanted to be a marine biologist; but alas — the ocean swells and boats don’t agree with me. Freshwater ecology seemed like a much safer option!”

In addition to her academic studies, a three-year stint in her family’s asbestos consulting business offered hands-on experience in the administrative and interpersonal skills related to performing assessments.

“The [asbestos consultancy] industry as a whole become more accountable and increased health and safety requirements came into line… including the introduction of the role of asbestos assessors,” Kathryn recalls. “A great many aspects of being an assessor can relate to my work now, such as attention to detail, understanding and abiding by strict regulations, standards and constraints, and most importantly, communication with clients and contractors.”

Assessing and managing the impacts we impose on environments to ensure sustainable outcomes and good decision-making, is what inspired Kathryn to seek a career in ecology consultancy.

“Seeing the actions and effects of ecological restoration and mitigation in use in our everyday world, and being able to support and be a part of it, is thrilling,” says Kathryn.

“From designing fish passage ramps for wetland systems to tackling more complex issues within stream enhancement and restoration works for new developments, I’m enjoying the wide and diverse range of projects that I have been able to work on.”

In her time with Boffa Miskell, Kathryn has assisted in the creation of an ecological baseline investigations assessment at Kimihia Lake and surrounding catchment. The project was conducted as part of the proposed Kimihia Lakes Rehabilitation Plan, and included assessment of existing ecological features, process and habitats; including terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

She’s also been involved with the Ruakura Inland Port project, assisting with the field investigations in the implementation of native fish, lizard and bat management; including mudfish salvage, lizard salvage, bat monitoring and tree felling throughout the site and assessment and recommendations for fish passage into the site.

“Freshwater fish became an interest later in my life, and being able to work on projects with giant kokopu, lamprey and longfin eels has been a challenging but very rewarding experience. I also have a keen interest in freshwater pest fish eradication which is a critical ecological issue here in the Waikato.”

2021 has been a challenging year, particularly for those who like to travel, but Kathryn says that spending time with her husband and their dog; and drawing strength from family and friends is a source of energy and comfort.

“I would love to be able to get back to adventures abroad but am currently limited to dreaming of faraway destinations,” she says.

“I feel passionate about conservation and the environment and hope that the part I play can make an impact in some small way. Personally, I am always inspired by strength, confidence and kindness, I truly believe that these qualities help not only yourself, but also those around you; and we all need a little help with this right now.”