From humble beginnings to nationwide processing. A resource management company with deep Dunedin roots is celebrating 21 years of business.
Ryder spawned out of a small environmental consultancy originally set up by Barry Robertson and joined soon after by Greg Ryder in 1992. The Resource Management Act had not long passed into law and councils and resource consent holders were all finding their way with the new legislation and its implementation.
Greg and Barry, both graduates of Otago University, initially worked out of Barry’s kitchen at his Cliffs Road home before stepping up to an old outhouse and then a garage. Greg took over the business in 1995 and from these modest beginnings the company now operates out of a custom refurbished building on Rattray Street and has another main office in Tauranga. Additional staff are located in Canterbury.
The business began with providing specialist water quality and ecology advice in freshwater and marine environments. This required surveys of rivers, estuaries, lakes and coastal waters. Some of these included stunning locations like Doubtful Sound and The Remarkables, but more often than not focused on environments highly modified by human activities.
Ryder initially serviced a loyal client base that was largely located in Otago and Southland, with the Dunedin City Council, Environment Southland and Macraes Mining Company (Oceana Gold) being key clients from the beginning.
The work requires specialist expertise in a range of ecological disciplines. While the company employs aquatic and terrestrial scientists from throughout New Zealand, over 13 Otago University graduates have worked at Ryder with the current number standing at seven.
Ryder are a close knit team and four staff have worked for the company for over 10 years. The company offers a flexible work environment, with some staff opting for part-time arrangements. The Dunedin office includes a laboratory that specializes in processing biological samples from freshwater and marine environments. It receives samples of flora and fauna from throughout the country, including algae, cyanobacteria, aquatic plants, benthic macro invertebrates and fish.
When Gavin Kemble joined the company in 2007 Ryder began offering what is now a successful resource management planning and policy section that complements its existing ecological services. Services range from assisting individual farmers and irrigation companies to meet the requirements of the Otago Regional Water Plan Change 6A to process management for major infrastructure clients such as Refining NZ and Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd. Recently,
Ryder planners have been assisting the Queenstown Lakes District Council with a major review of its district plan. Ryders ecological and planning services are now provided by a team of 18 staff, working throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island.
While the company has steadily grown over the last 21 years, its focus continues to be on providing tailor-made, cost-effective solutions for clients through the provision of comprehensive environmental and resource management advice.
Ryder Consulting Ltd | Dunedin • Tauranga • Christchurch
