About FuturEcology

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.

Emma Fryer

I have always been interested in the link between business and
sustainability and how well the two complement each other. Growing up, I always enjoyed the challenge of making processes more efficient. This is
where the EmGuard was born.

I completed a business degree at Victoria University to further my knowledge about the principles of business. It was very worthwhile, and I am enjoying drawing on what I learnt and implementing it in a practical sense every day.
In my spare time, I enjoy getting out tramping, camping and spending time with friends. I also love a bit of opshopping and and an upcycling project.

Dan Arnold

Hi, my name is Dan and I joined FuturEcology in April 2021. I started as a trainee, and am now a Projects Supervisor, with a particular interest in specialist weed control. I have been involved in projects to eliminate Asiatic knotweed, blue passionflower, akebia and we are continually upskilling our knowledge around problem weeds in the area.

I also have a real interest in bird recovery work and have been working with DoC and Project Janzoon on re-introducing kaka to the Abel Tasman. This involves finding nests, climbing trees, tagging and tracking chicks and their parents. It is a really cool part of the work I am involved in.

In my spare time, I enjoy tramping, fly fishing, pheasant hunting and hanging out with my son Flynn and Frankie the dog.

Shaun Burton

I have a great passion for the wild and pure places within New Zealand and love getting out and interacting with these spaces in any way I can. Working as a Project Supervisor for FuturEcology allows me to be involved with helping to recreate these spaces in and around areas where people work, live and relax and to bring those wild and pure places back to more accessible parts of our country.

I bring a diverse skill set to the team at FuturEcology, having worked in various roles within the local government and conservation sectors within the last 10 years. I have a degree in Environmental Management and GIS and I am keen to use my experience and qualifications to help FuturEcology be the leader in ecological restoration.

Outside of work I like to get out and interact with our landscape via hiking, mountain biking, surfing and skiing. I also spend a lot of my spare time recreating the beautiful landscapes of NZ and abroad on canvas with brush and paint!

Bridget Kenny

I joined the team in April 2021 to run our Marlborough operations.

I come from a background in horticulture, working for over 20 years in the wine industry in Marlborough.

I am a keen tramper and mountain biker and can be found most weekends seeking adventure in the outdoors.

Desiah Neho

Kia Ora, my name's Desiah Neho. I first joined FuturEcology in 2021 in my first year out of school. Growing up I was a keen hunter and gatherer which gave me a love for the surrounding nature and environment. During my time at Nelson College, I studied Environmental Science at Whenua Iti which has helped me expand my passion and drive for the environment. I've always wanted to help and try to make a change for the environment since I was young and ever since working at FuturEcology I really feel like I've really been helping make a difference. In the future I really hope to expand my study in either conservation or environmental science and keep on giving back to the environment.

Evelyn Nashiro

Kia ora. My name is Evelyn. I'm originally from Argentina and have been lucky to call Nelson home since 2020. I joined the FutureEcology team in February 2024. 

I have always been committed to looking after the environment we all cherish. I completed a Bachelor in Environmental Management in 2017 and I gained experience in Environmental Impact Analysis during my work with the Environmental Protection Agency in the city of Buenos Aires. Since arriving in New Zealand, I have supplemented my study with courses on New Zealand Conservation, Environmental Management Systems and Spatial Analysis.   

In my spare time I love going for walks around Nelson with my fiancé, catching up with friends and playing table tennis. I also enjoy traveling to different regions of New Zealand and reading books at any spot with a beautiful landscape.