Welcome.
There was a time when a straight line was the quickest way to a destination. Not today. When decisions on major projects are being made, everyone wants to have their say. Sometimes, not even the destination is known.
Time and money are no longer the sole considerations. And it's not enough to merely mitigate our environmental impacts. Today people are asking: what other outcomes that we value will make this project worthwhile? How can we enhance the sensory, social, biophysical and cultural values? What can you do to make this project better for me?
Partnership and Engagement is crucial to getting the right outcome. That's why we like to get embedded into the project, help the process of exploring different perspectives, and find ways to deliver results that reduce the cost of planning, consenting and delivery.
At Wayfinder, we help you find the best route to the right destination.
- Great partnerships leadto great outcomes.
We work with a variety of infrastructure and environmental managers, including Councils, Government Agencies and the Private Sector, either directly or as sub-consultants to Engineering or Planning firms. Typically we work within multi-disciplinary teams, partnering with our clients and their other expert consultants to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.
Many of our projects are developed as a result of long term relationships - not just with our clients, but also with the project partners and stakeholders. We regularly work 'behind the scenes' to foster friendships and build trust, so that critical decisions are respected and understood.
Below is a selection of great outcomes we've delivered through such partnerships:
Relighting the fires of occupation in Tauranga Moana
Partners: Tauranga City Council, Aurecon, Ngai Tamarawaho, Ngāti Tapu, Ariki Huata
Even we weren't prepared for the journey of discovery when we embarked on this project. However, after our first engagement with Peri Kohu we knew we were about to explore something special. We began to understand the concepts of Ahi Kaa, having listened to the centuries of conflict between Māori and Pākeha along this seemingly innocent four lane shopping street. From first beginnings 300 years before Cook sailed past, to land confiscation, and the pressures of today's urban growth - we worked together to find a way to embrace what it means for a place to be lived in.
Masterplan for a
significant inner city park.
Partner: Palmerston North City Council
With nearly a million visitors a year, Victoria Esplanade Reserve is Palmerston North's premier park. Having suffered from years of unplanned investment, there was no strategy for its long-term improvement. Conflicts between park activities was increasing, and Council was faced with a myriad of development opportunities. We helped the Council team engage with the park community to develop a values-based masterplan that will guide the next 25 years of development and maintenance. Critically, we set up mechanisms and processes so good decisions can be made even after we'd finished.
A new suite of
Regional Parks.
Partners: Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Opus
Prior to 2010, there were no Regional Parks in Hawke's Bay. The Council owned plenty of undeveloped space, but such areas tended to be leftovers from flood control works or were simply reserved for soil preservation. We saw the opportunity to enhance these spaces and open them up for recreational enjoyment by the community. Together with Opus (now WSP) and the Council, we developed the Regional Parks Network Plan, providing guidance on future development, maintenance and service levels. Since then, we've been helping people rediscover important cultural narratives, and involving communities in planting to restore natural habitats and ecosystems.
A long term future
for a landfill site.
Partners: Hastings District Council, T&T
Although there has been a significant increase in community recycling, humans still create waste that can only be disposed of in landfill. While work continues on finding alternative, greener ways of managing the by-products of our lifestyles, landfill sites need to keep operating. But we're helping Council find a new future for the Omarunui landfill by exploring exciting end-of-use recreational opportunities, alongside the establishment of a sustainable, managed native timber source.
Delivering safe drinking
water to Hastings.
Partners: Hastings District Council,
Stantec, T&T, DGSE, Jacksons
Following the gastro outbreak in Havelock North, Hastings District Council made a commitment to the community to ensure the safe delivery of drinking water to all residents in the city. At the same time, the opportunity arose to improve the resilience of the network, and provide emergency water reserves. We've been a part of the project team for Waiaroha, where the water treatment and distribution process will be opened up for the community to see, supported by extensive educational resources to help improve community understanding of water processes.
A new pedestrian
and cycling motorway.
Partners: Waka Kotahi (NZTA),
Mana Whenua, WSP, Aurecon
The Southern Corridor Motorway is one of the busiest roads in the country. Yet it is wholly focussed on motorised vehicles, with little (or no) infrastructure available for walking and cycling. We worked with Waka Kotahi, WSP, Aurecon and Mana Whenua to design, consent and construct a new 6km long Shared Use Path alongside the motorway, including the new Mara o Hine bridge at Pescara Point. Key points of interest along the route are signalled with bespoke carvings and interpretative signage, providing enhanced connectivity to the landscape.
Building bridges
in Northland.
Partners: Waka Kotahi (NZTA),
Aurecon & Bioresearchers
As part of a commitment to Northland, the Government has been investing in a suite of road safety improvements. One of these, Kaeo Bridge, is not only on the tourist circuit, but also crosses one of the most flood-prone rivers in the country. We've been working with Waka Kotahi, Aurecon and Mana Whenua to reimagine a connection across Kaeo River, whilst exploring ways to enhance the cultural narrative and deliver better biodiversity and environmental outcomes.
Visioning opportunities amongst compliance.
Partners: DGSE, Strata Group
Built in the early 20th Century, it was easy to understand why there was concern about upgrading the iconic Mission Revival architecture to meet modern earthquake strengthening codes. We worked with Iona and the team of engineers and architects to explore the challenges and find places to expand. After engaging with the whole school community, we developed a visionary Masterplan that sets out how to safeguard the school community whilst creating opportunities for increased educational specialisation and roll growth.
A new social hub for
a whole school.
Partners: Karamu High School, Gary Pidd Architect
When Karamu High School discovered that nearly all of their buildings needed to be replaced for seismic reasons, we saw an opportunity. We worked with the school community to reconsider the whole layout of the school, putting students at the centre. We created a raised artificial grass 'platform' that could accomodate the whole school, and then worked with the architect to design all the new buildings fanning out from this space. It's become the social hub of the school, a safe environment for students of all year groups.
Approval of a new wind farm (with conditions).
Partner: South Taranaki District Council
As a registered RMA Commissioner, Shannon assisted South Taranaki District Council with the review and decision making of the proposed Waipipi Wind Farm near Waverley. Located on South Taranaki coastline, it will provide 133MW of electricity through its 31 wind turbines. Granting consent required assessing and understanding the potential impacts of the proposal on the environment, particularly in regard to noise and landscape, and ensuring appropriate conditions were provided as mitigation.
Electricity infrastructure appropriately mitigated.
Partners: Transpower and Opus
When Transpower needed to expand their Kawarau substation, they discovered it required the management of a significant quantity of contaminated soil. Rather than transport it hundreds of kilometres away, we helped them manage the issue themselves, on their own site. Through careful contouring and a detailed planting and maintenance scheme, we provided enough space for the expansion, and helped mitigate the visual effects on the neighbouring property.
Option development for
road widening in the
coastal environment.
Partners: Waka Kotahi (NZTA),
Aurecon & Clough Associates
Improving infrastructure usually requires a balancing act. In Hobsonville, Auckland, it was clear that the future widening of SH18 would impact the coastal environment. We worked with Aurecon, Clough and Mana Whenua to find the best solution for minimising cultural and archaeological effects, and enhancing ecological and landscape outcomes.
- Innovation driven byengagement and teamwork.
Our office is located in the heart of Hawke's Bay's apple growing landscape, but we work on projects nationwide and come to you when we're needed. We're confident at engaging with people on projects, and know the benefit of asking lots of questions. Whilst we're great at coming up with ideas, we know that the most successful outcomes come from working with others who are passionate, experienced and engaged.
We work in an open plan space, and we all contribute to each other's work. We're happy to receive constructive criticism, and we always strive to build on ideas put forward by others. At the same time, we ensure to always test outcomes against the project objectives, to ensure that we don't stray too far from the target.
Our People
Shannon Bray
Principal/Director
Registered Fellow Landscape Architect
B.For.Sc. B.L.A. (Hons)
Shannon has worked on a wide variety of masterplanning, urban design and environmental projects throughout New Zealand. He specialises in evaluating landscape and visual effects, and providing strategic development advice across interdisciplinary teams.
He is an experienced and recognised expert witness, and has presented evidence before Councils, Environment Court and Boards of Inquiry. He is available as an independent RMA Commissioner.
He is a Fellow and Registered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects. He has served two terms as president of NZILA, and recently led the preparation of their submission on the proposed Natural and Built Environments Act.
Shannon is currently renovating his Chapman Taylor house with partner Sue, and as travel abroad is currently not happening, they are taking the time to explore the corners of Aotearoa New Zealand.
027 451 6319
Lizzie Burn
Landscape Architect
B.A.S. (Landscape Architecture)
Lizzie graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Landscape Architecture from Victoria University in 2016. She specialises in the development of strategic plans and visual representations, and the preparation of engaging documents.
With a background in hospitality management, Lizzie is naturally drawn to people and skilled in listening. She is a conceptual thinker who is able to bring together ideas in a creative, holistic manner.
She is an Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, and is involved with various young professional groups locally.
Lizzie is a keen skier and a grower of fine tomatoes (and the odd marrow or two).
027 346 6524
Megan McBain
Registered Landscape Architect
B.L.A. (Hons)
Megan has been working as a landscape architect for 15 years. She specialises in conceptual and detailed design, with a particular focus on public open spaces across a wide range of scales. She has great plant knowledge, and a knack for asking really detailed questions.
With a long history working on environmental enhancement projects, Megan has a passion for restoration projects, and for delivering community led initiatives through engagement.
Megan is a Registered member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, having served on the Executive Committee and as Treasurer.
Megan is a mum to three girls and lives on a Central Hawke's Bay farm with her husband, Miles.
021 257 6695
James Oliver
Senior Landscape ArchitectJames has 15+ years’ experience at various levels throughout Landscape Architecture. He is experienced on projects large and small and has a varied skill set from concept design to project management.
James has a desire to help change the direction of humanity by actively and positively contributing to the betterment of climate issues, something that Landscape Architecture is in the box seat to achieve.
He is registered with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and has served on the Sunshine Coast regional committee, AILA Sun.
After a short stint of living in New Zealand, James is now our Australian Correspondent. When he’s not working or being Dad, he’s mountain biking, snowboarding or exploring DOC campgrounds.
Rocket
Office DogRocket is has a mysterious past. Found walking the foothills of the Kaweka's, he had an extended stay in the Council's dog hotel before adopting Shannon and Sue.
Most of his time at the office is spent sleeping, having realised that other dogs cannot see him curled up in a cat cave. However Rocket contributes to the office by ensuring any and all food crumbs are expertly removed from the floor.
In his spare time, Rocket enjoys walking, especially along Ocean Beach (he's no longer scared of the waves). Unfortunately, Rocket can't skateboard.
- Contact Us.
We'd love to build a partnership with you. Feel free to get in touch with any of the team using the contact details above, or flick us a message using the form below:
