Samuel Olufson

With five years' experience in the environmental consulting industry and involvement in helping shape adaptation policy, I have a passion for innovative and strategic ideas to address uncertain future environmental risks.

In my current role, I have had the opportunity to provide environmental monitoring, compliance, and planning solutions to clients across New Zealand. I am now seeking a role in which I can develop and apply my skills in a sector I am passionate about which offers the opportunity to provide advice to improve coastal and climate related outcomes for future generations.

• Co-authored "Implementing Pre-emptive Managed Retreat: Constraints and Novel Insights"
• Presented at the New Zealand Coastal Society conference in 2019 - Masters
• Research was referenced int he 2022 Hurunui District Council Managed Retreat Plan
• Secured repeat business through the quality of delivery for several project for clients.
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• New Zealand Coastal Society Member
• NZ First Aider
• NZQA Permit Receiver
• Site Safe NZ - Foundation Passport (Consultants)

This section outlines several of the key projects I have been involved in which have shaped the development of my skills and career:

Managed Retreat Components and Costing in a Coastal Setting

• I was awarded an MBIE funded Master of Science scholarship in 2018 to undertake a research program to identify the components of managed retreat from the coast. This work also involved the development of a detailed valuation methodology to compliment the implementation of these components. This project gave me the opportunity to meet with interested stakeholders (including central and local government agencies), and to provide guidance to those planning future coastal risk management strategies.

Auckland Council - Smart Ponds

• I took on the role as project manager for the installation and maintenance of water level sensors in several council managed stormwater ponds in the Auckland Region. This project included the requirement to source appropriate equipment, conduct site identification and installation, along with the associated site maintenance and telemetry monitoring. As manager for this project, I trained colleagues to undertake the work alongside me, and managed client liason and project budgets. As a result of the service provided, the client requested an additional package of work including an extension of the project works and the installation of new sites.

Synlait Milk - Stormwater Monitoring Maintenance 

• As part of their land use consent, Synlait Milk are required to monitor stormwater parameters to ensure their dischargesdo not breach their consent levels. Water quality sensors were installed at their site to ensure this discharge could be managed. I have managed this project for a two-year period which has involved undertaking maintenance visits to the site, managing client expectations and budgets, ensuring the client receives the appropriate level of service, and the training of colleagues.

Gisborne District Council - Erosion and Sediment Control Advice

• My assistance was sought to help Gisborne District Council with a consent breach within their jurisdiction with a consent holder not adhering to appropriate erosion and sediment control measures. My role in this project was to provide sound advice to local government to assist in their management and possible prosecution of the consent holder. My advice was sought several times during this process to aid the council in managing a complex situation.

Coastal Projects

• I have been able to assist with several projects where my expertise on coastal management and climate change adaptation have been useful. These projects have included the design of assets for major infrastructure to include consideration of future coastal effects. These projects have included coastal hazard assessments for Kiwirail, and several wharf rehabilitation/construction works.