In 2023, Beca was commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment, alongside NZ Landcare Trust, to establish a unique brokerage service to improve freshwater outcomes. Two years later, the Access to Experts (A2E) service has supported 122 user groups and 164 cases across Aotearoa New Zealand. Celia Fernandes - Programme Manager, and Mio Akiyama - Environmental Scientist, discuss how the team achieved this success.
Expert Brokerage and Tikanga-Informed Solutions
A panel of freshwater experts was established, encompassing a wide range of specialist skills such as nutrients, sediment, wetlands, and mahinga kai. When councils, iwi and hapū, or catchment groups successfully submitted a case application, Beca’s skilled freshwater specialists acted as brokers, carefully matching them with the right expert for their needs.
The expertise of Beca’s Environmental Team in freshwater policy, including advisory roles on national reforms like the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020 (NES FW), was crucial in shaping the brokerage model. Their experience in cultural freshwater monitoring and partnerships with iwi on ecological projects, combined with guidance from Beca’s Kaiwhakatere (cultural navigators), enabled a tikanga-informed approach to user engagement and expert matching.
Phil Schofield, speaking with Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment
at a visit to Ahuriri Tributaries Catchment Group Trust.
Building capacity for long lasting social and environmental outcomes
The service focused on building capabilities across all user groups, providing upskilling and development opportunities. As a result, these groups are empowered with practical strategies and best practices to continue safeguarding New Zealand’s waterways.
An example of this is A2E’s work in the Te Tauihu region, supporting Te Tauihu Iwi to build an understanding of Te Ao Māori freshwater tools and frameworks. Experts presented at three Te Puna Kōrero wānanga (workshops) which connected representatives from Tasman, Nelson, and Marlborough regional councils, and eight iwi from Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui. The team took capacity building one step further, developing a knowledge hub that shares learnings and reports from cases.
Internal collaboration within Beca was key to the success of the A2E service, bringing together experts in communications and marketing, freshwater management and project management. Communications specialists developed clear messaging to grow awareness and foster dialogue amongst user groups. Freshwater experts provided technical insights aligned with national policy, while Kaiwhakatere (cultural navigators) made sure the project was grounded in tikanga and matuaranga Māori.
Strong Programme and Project Management underpinned all of this, coordinating efforts across disciplines, for efficient resource use and timely delivery. This cohesive approach enabled Beca to design, set up and deliver a high-impact service that addressed complex freshwater challenges with innovation, collaboration and cultural sensitivity.
Emily Fensham, Beca and Ric Balfour, NZ Landcare Trust, supporting Haurahi Stream
Collaboration enabled grass-roots awareness
While Beca’s team played a central role in the project, the contributions of NZ Landcare Trust, Papa Pounamu and Te Uru Kahika were critical. NZ Landcare Trust brought deep expertise in sustainable land and water management alongside trusted relationships with grassroots and community groups. Papa Pounamu facilitated the integration of Māori perspectives and connected the project with iwi across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Uru Kahika, as the collective of regional and unitary councils, facilitated strong connections with regional authorities and catchment groups, helping to align efforts with local needs and priorities. The integration of Māori perspectives connected the project with iwi across Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Uru Kahika, as the collective of regional and unitary councils, facilitated strong connections with regional authorities and catchment groups, helping to align efforts with local needs and priorities.
Together, these partnerships strengthened the project by combining scientific and technical knowledge with cultural insight and community-driven approaches to improve the health of Aotearoa New Zealand’s waterways.
Access to Experts will host several webinars at the end of this month to share knowledge from successful cases. Register for the upcoming webinar here.
To hear more about the different facets of the project, please email the following people:
- Celia Fernandes - Programme Manager: celia.fernandes@beca.com
- Mio Akiyama - Environmental Scientist: mio.akiyama@beca.com
- Meg Taylor-Silva - Marketing and Communications Lead: meg.taylor-silva@beca.com