Meet the Boffa Miskell team: Marcus Girvan

As biosecurity project manager, Marcus Girvan is responsible for controlling and minimising project risks, delivering quality results on time and to budget, and ensuring that stakeholders and suppliers are communicated with effectively.

Marcus manages Boffa Miskell’s delivery of biosecurity for LINZ (Land Information New Zealand) across the country; as well as overseeing the Wilding Tree Eradication programme for the Mid Dome Wilding Trees Charitable Trust — a project that encompasses 68,000 hectares in Southland.

It’s a role that involves carrying out assessments, recommending control solutions, administering contracts and designing tenders consistent with the government rules of procurement, and seeing projects through from stakeholder engagement to delivery and reporting.

This mix of administrative duties and hands-on fieldwork means Marcus is as likely to be found in a hi-vis vest or a wetsuit as he is presenting to clients or attending an international conference. He says getting out from behind a desk is one of the best parts of the job.

“The great outdoors has always been close to my heart. Being brought up on a sheep and cropping farm in rural South Canterbury I spent the majority of my childhood outdoors,” Marcus says. “Farming is a tough gig at the best of times; and although I chose not to pursue farming myself, I’m grateful that some of my work overlaps with the primary industries sector, which I have a strong appreciation for.”

During his obligatory OE in the UK (which became a five-year mission to explore as much of Europe and Africa as possible) Marcus found that his London base offered little opportunity for environmental work. So he switched into the IT sector, and then became a business analyst/consultant — acquiring the unique blend of skills that make him ideally suited for his current role.

“That experience really helped me appreciate the adage that one good question is worth a thousand answers. Through that journey I learned to back myself and that, with employing some good Kiwi work ethic, the systems and skillset could be learned.”

A two-month journey through Italy, Greece and Turkey; and later, planning and executing a four and a half month overland expedition from London to Cape Town in a 1995 Land Rover Discovery, served Marcus well when he returned to New Zealand and joined Boffa Miskell in 2009.

“I spent a lot of the first six years working out of a mobile office (Toyota Hilux), driving all around the South Island assessing sites, managing contractors and delivering control works,” Marcus says.

“As the team started to grow I was able to share some of the field work responsibilities, which brought the office : fieldwork ratio back into balance. I have had the privilege of helping equip and empower some very talented professionals to manage projects and serve our partners and clients well.”

The biosecurity team has more than doubled in size over the past 18 months, so Marcus is busier than ever.

“There’s no question; working as part of a high-performing team is the best part of this job. It’s so much more satisfying for me to work with a team who is as passionate and committed to creating great environmental outcomes as I am. We’re making a difference in Aotearoa and leaving a legacy for those who will come after us.”

When he’s not in the office, or out on Lake Dunstan, or presenting to stakeholders, or in the wilds of Mid Dome, you’ll find Marcus: “… out chasing Canada geese, deer or wallabies; and when I’m not doing that I’m keeping fit in the gym, reading a book, watching pretty much any NZ rep sports team or yelling support from the side-line of my nephews’ and nieces’ Saturday sports games.”

Marcus has joined Boffa Miskell’s partner group this year; and although he’s in a role that plays to his skills, strengths and interests — there’s still one thing that could lure him away: “I’ve always said, if Jeremy Clarkson needs a replacement for Richard Hammond then I’m off.”

Find out more

Be Bold: Lessons learned from our work with Wilding Conifers

2021 Partner and Associate Partner Appointments