Auckland

Dave Slaven

Director & Senior Ecologist

Education

Master of Arts (Physical Geography), University of Auckland (Second Class Honours), 1982
Master of Science (Environmental Science and Conservation Planning), University of Auckland (First Class Honours), 1992

Professional Affiliations

Adviser, New Zealand Amphibian Recovery Group

Profile

Dave is knowledgeable in a wide variety of scientific fields, including forest, freshwater and marine ecology. He has worked primarily as an ecologist over the past 14 years, including much fieldwork and experience in the disciplines of conservation planning, environmental impact assessment and site evaluation.

Dave has undertaken a variety of ecological surveys in differing types of ecosystems and habitats, including wetland, forest, scrub, inter-tidal and freshwater. These surveys have involved indigenous flora and fauna (including birds, herpetofauna and freshwater fish species) as well as an assessment of the ecological and conservation values of the site(s) in question.

Dave's ability in ecological assessment extends to being able in assessing effects of potential change. He immediately recognises ecological issues related to a development proposal and has a reputation for identifying innovative yet practical approaches to their solution. He is also an experienced expert witness at council and Environment Court hearings.

Expertise

Assessment of effects on the environment

Evaluating the ecological effects of projects and advising on avoidance or mitigation for resource consents under the Resource Management Act.

Ecological evaluation

Describing and evaluating the attributes and conservation values of sites or specified areas based on rigorous scientific methodologies.

Ecological advice

Reviewing and auditing environmental projects and assessing methods and outcomes. Giving ecological advice on development (and future management) of projects such as subdivision, roading, water management, waste management, mineral extraction, tourism, recreation and forestry.

Conservation planning

Research on and development of management strategies for selected species of indigenous flora and fauna.

Environmental monitoring

Developing monitoring programmes to assess the effects of activities upon their receiving environments.

Statutory planning and policy preparation

Analysing ecological issues and developing objectives and policies for Plan changes, review and formulation of district plans. Co-ordinating public information, community consultation and assisting with public hearings.

Management plans

Prescribing long-term management policies and programmes for parks, reserves, river catchments and special resource areas such as sensitive and protected landscapes and conservation areas.