About FuturEcology

Let us help you find workable & cost effective solutions to land & water management issues.

What we do

Established in July 2014 by Robert and Jan Fryer, FuturEcology emerged from their desire for career change. With backgrounds in conservation and environmental sciences, Robert and Jan bring over 40 years of experience in these fields. Initially a two-person operation, they began with fieldwork and crafting restoration plans for clients, later expanding and growing their team. One of their notable achievements includes developing a bio-degradable plant guard, the EmGuard, which revolutionised restoration plantings nationwide.

Specialising in guiding clients through smart solutions for land and water usage including restoration projects. Their services encompass planning, consent processes, and project execution, including site specific plans, weed control, site preparation, planting, and maintenance. FuturEcology operates primarily across the top of the South Island, undertaking specialised projects in diverse ecosystems such as hill country, riparian zones, coastal margins, and wetlands.

Our team has over 100 years combined experience working with landowners, Councils and other parties.

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by our natural world. Upon leaving school I completed a Nursery Production apprenticeship at Duncan and Davies Ltd which set me on a path of continuous learning and trying to make sense of the natural environment. As I have become older, I have attempted to plug the gaps in my knowledge with a degree in Environmental Science amongst other things.

A year working for the Department of Conservation on Stephens Island along with my wife Jan and family was extremely formative and provided the interest and sense of purpose that we are now following with FuturEcology Ltd.

One thing I have learned over the last ten years in business is that with a little imagination and a good measure of determination we all can make the world a slightly better place.

I get tremendous satisfaction from being a part of so many exciting and worthwhile projects in the top of the south. Together with our clients, I feel we are really making a tangible difference.

During my spare time I fantasise about fishing, both saltwater and trout. I am also a keen hunter and take satisfaction from being able to harvest wild meat for our family. Like the rest of us at FuturEcology I am an avid reader enjoying both natural history and the escapism of a good novel.

Growing up in the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland with the beach and bush as a playground gave me a love for the natural environment.

I followed my dream of studying Horticulture and Parks and Recreation Management at Lincoln University and went from there to working in Fiordland National Park on the Milford, Kepler and Hollyford Tracks. From there I moved to the Nelson region to take up a job as a Community Recreation Advisor for Tasman District Council and have since been involved in many community and environmental activities, including being a City Councillor for Nelson City Council.

A chance to go and be caretakers for a year on Stephens Island in the late 1990’s was a highlight of our careers.

In my spare time I like to be in our own garden, reading great books, tramping, knitting or adventuring in our little caravan.

FuturEcology was the culmination of combining our experience to bring about a business that focused on environmental projects and making a positive difference to the planet.