River is an ecologist with a diverse skill set gained from 8 years of practical experience in ecological restoration. River completed his Master’s at Victoria University of Wellington in 2020, where his focus was on restoration ecology and the impacts of browsing ungulates on forest ecosystems. River has recently returned from a role with the Department of Conservation to the Kāpiti Coast to co-found Kawakawa Environmental with Pat Morrissey in 2022. 

River specialises in delivering effective ecological monitoring and invasive species control methods for vegetation and fauna. River has experience developing and implementing restoration plans, project management, and reporting. He has undertaken projects privately and on public conservation land across New Zealand. 

River loves the unique challenges of ecological restoration and enjoys contributing toward positive change for biodiversity, landscapes and the people who call them home.