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:
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.
Ensuring the oysters
keep coming.
Partners: Moana New Zealand
When Moana began trialling a new way of farming oysters, the industry said it'll never work. The method - floating baskets. It removed the need for frames embedded in the seabed, and allowed processing of the farm on the boat. All debris could be easily captured, and the crew could stay above water.
The only issue - obtaining a resource consent. Through a detailed assessment of the potential landscape, seascape and visual effects, we helped Moana navigate through the consenting process to ensure the oysters can keep coming.
Finding a home
for the poo.
Partner: Traverse, DOC, NSES
Although it's a World Heritage Site and one of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes, it still has it's challenges. One of those is dealing with the waste from all of the visitors - and the current system was not up to the task.
We helped the Department of Conservation find, design and consent a new system - taking into consideration how the landscape might change as the result of nutrient-rich irrigation. As part of the process, we considered both short term and long term outcomes, providing staged management plans to cover the operational life of the new facility.
Carefully considered residential development.
Partners: BBO, Koning Family Trust
New Zealand is growing, and that's putting pressure on towns across the country. Nowhere is this more true than the small surfing town of Raglan, which has a high demand for new housing. We worked as part of a multidisciplinary team to help develop a future Structure Plan for rural land behind the town - creating development nodes that allowed protection of ecolology and waterways, and drew in the character of the surrounding landscape.
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.
Visioning a new educational environment.
Partners: Iona College, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
Managing Partner
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 is looking forward to getting back out into the world of travel.
027 451 6319
Lizzie Burn
Partner
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). She balances her weekends between visiting her partner, Jason, in Tauranga and renovating her home in Hawke's Bay.
027 346 6524
Megan McBain
Partner
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
Alexia Hamelink
Graduate Landscape Architect
B.Sc B.L.A.(Hons)
Recently graduating from Lincoln University, Alexia adds this degree to her first (all 2-degree jokes are welcome), sandwiching practical experience in the landscaping world involving people engagement, project management, design and implementation.
Feeling a real connection to the whenua and our native flora, Alexia draws on a lifetime of recreation, observation and discussion amongst Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s native bush - she looks for a native planting solution before an exotic one.
Environmentally sustainable solutions are Alexia’s priority, natural materials are her preference. Always looking to design with deeper meaning, Alexia expresses historical, cultural and ecological connections where appropriate and possible.
Alexia and her husband, Nick spend their weekends following their passion for active outdoor engagement – trail running, tramping, hunting and gardening.
Brook O'Donnell
Ngāti Maniapoto
Graduate Landscape Architect
B.A.S. (Landscape Architecture)
From an early age Brok had a passion for plants and a love of architecture, and landscape architecture emerged as the winning combination of both. It was inevitable that he would graduate with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies in Landscape Architecture, obtained from Victoria University in 2013.
From European Maori heritage. Brook's whakapapa is deeply connected to both Taihape and Taumarunui, from which his Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Haua links originate.
After graduating, Brook headed back to his hometown of Taihape. He established his own business focusing on landscape design and maintenance, and for 10 years has been helping a wide variety of people across Rangitīkei find their green fingers. Having a passion for plants Brook became the President of the Taihape Horticultural Society furthering his planting and horticultural knowledge.
Brook is an avid traveller and keen gardener, and is looking forward to finding and developing his own green space in his new home of Hawke’s Bay.
Rocket
Office Dog
Rocket 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:
