Celebrating 25 years at Boffa Miskell: Eddie Sides

One of Boffa Miskell’s most experienced freshwater ecologists, Eddie Sides has helped shape how ecological values are understood, managed and enhanced across infrastructure, development and environmental projects throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

A Senior Principal Ecologist based in Auckland, Eddie joined Boffa Miskell in 2001 and has built a reputation for robust scientific advice, clear judgement and practical problem-solving. He has more than 30 years’ professional experience assessing the effects of human activity on freshwater systems, and the plants, macroinvertebrates and fish communities they support. His work spans urban development, transport, quarrying, forestry, stormwater, wastewater, hydroelectric power and managed fill projects.

Eddie's contribution has been particularly significant in the transport and infrastructure sector. Eddie has provided freshwater ecology expertise for major projects including Northern Gateway, the Waterview Connection, SH20 Mt Roskill, Mill Road Extension, Southern Corridor Improvements, East-West Link, the SH20-SH1 Motorway Link and Penlink. His work has encompassed field investigations, effects assessments, design advice, mitigation and monitoring, expert caucusing, and evidence presented at resource consent, Environment Court and Board of Inquiry hearings.

For Penlink, Eddie was appointed by Waka Kotahi as Principal’s Environmental Advisor during the pre-construction phase. He led Boffa Miskell’s work across marine and freshwater monitoring, vegetation and fauna investigations, environmental management plans, landscape design, stakeholder liaison and collaboration with the wider design team. The role involved managing effects on fish, bats, birds, lizards and the marine environment, while identifying opportunities to enhance ecological values.

This balance between technical rigour and achievable solutions has been a constant throughout Eddie’s career. He helps multidisciplinary teams understand ecological constraints and opportunities, then determine how effects can be avoided, minimised, managed or offset. His ability to translate complex ecological evidence into clear, useful advice has made him a trusted voice for clients, councils and fellow consultants.

Beyond transport, Eddie has contributed to stream and wetland assessments, fish relocation, ecological management plans, subdivision design, quarry investigations, stormwater and wastewater projects, and long-term monitoring programmes. His sustained involvement in projects such as Long Bay, Weiti Station, Drury South Industrial Precinct, Clevedon Quarry, Watercare Huia Treatment Plant, Te Arai Weir and Pacific Heights reflects the continuity and trusted relationships that characterise his work.

Eddie’s influence is also strongly felt through his mentorship. He has helped younger ecologists build confidence in the field, strengthen their technical judgement, and understand how ecological evidence informs consenting, design and construction. Field investigations, workshops, monitoring programmes and hearings have become opportunities to share knowledge and demonstrate how technical observations are translated into practical, defensible advice.

Away from work, Eddie is a skilled archer, martial artist and drummer. His archery achievements include regional, national and international awards, and a gold medal at the 2017 World Masters Games. We celebrate Eddie's 25 years and his contributions to the freshwater environments he has helped protect, the projects he has guided and the colleagues who have benefited from his knowledge, patience, and steady leadership.