Three ecologists earn Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP)

Antony Kusabs, Karin Sievwright and Tanya Cook have successfully achieved their CEnvP after meeting the criteria for training, experience, professional conduct and ethical behaviour.

Before joining Boffa Miskell in 2022 Antony Kusabs managed Te Papa's Herbarium and Physical Containment Facility. Specialising in botany, he significantly improved the collection storage conditions, was an integral part of the Myosotis Field Research program and contributed to the success of Te Papa's Te Taiao | Nature exhibition as Lead Collection Manager.

Antony is a member of the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network and brings his expertise and experience to ecological impact assessments, preparing expert evidence, delineation of wetlands, restoration ecology, environmental management plans, and monitoring. His project work includes renewable energy projects (hydro, wind, geothermal), ecological restoration, roading, and sub-divisions.

Karin Sievwright specialises in ornithology and has particular expertise in working with penguins, though her project experience extends to broader terrestrial and freshwater ecology work, including fish salvage and relocation, preparing ecological assessments and management plans, along with survey and mitigation work.

Since joining Boffa Miskell in 2015, Karin has undertaken bird monitoring surveys for renewable energy projects across the country, and for the past decade has volunteered her time on over a dozen research and rehabilitation projects related to little blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins, including monitoring oiled little blue penguins rehabilitated after the 2011 C/V Rena oil spill in Tauranga.

Tanya Cook has more than 16 years’ experience working in environmental consulting, management and education. A freshwater specialist, much of her project work involves undertaking stream and lake assessments, field surveys, spatial analysis and reporting. Tanya is also experienced with terrestrial and marine surveys, preparing restoration plans, pest control and environmental education.

Joining Boffa Miskell in 2022, Tanya’s clients include private landowners, local government and central government agencies, and NGOs. She is a member of the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society, and also contributes her time and expertise to several Northland environmental restoration projects and groups.

The Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme (CEnvP) was established in 2004 by the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ). A Certified Environmental Practitioner is the highest grade of general environmental practice in Australia and New Zealand, and recognises outstanding practical experience and expertise, as well as high ethical standards.

Certification is conferred upon environmental practitioners who successfully fulfil the EIANZ rigorous requirements, which includes a panel interview and subsequent ratification by the CEnvP Board.

The program aims to assist in ensuring that certain levels of professional environmental practice and ethics are met. Following certification, all CEnvPs must maintain high standards of professional and ethical conduct, as well as maintaining their commitment to professional development.