November critics

Dr Curtis Bristowe
I am a PhD Communications Studies graduate with a keen interest in all facets of education and leadership, communications strategy and transparency, strategic planning, management, process and application. I possess a positive and professional attitude and am competent in dealing with people throughout an organisation at different levels, departments and backgrounds. My experience in working for numerous nationally reputable organisations and institutions has provided a unique, varied and valuable skill set. Such as the abilities to lead effectively, operate strategically and think creatively. To develop and sustain strong and healthy relationships which engage, equip and empower others to succeed. To work alone and under pressure and to always achieve stated objectives at a high level of professional and academic proficiency. I am also proudly and strongly bicultural, possessing a fluent knowledge of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori being a graduate of tribal driven Wānanga (whaikōrero/whakapapa/karakia etc.) and can therefore stand confidently and effectively in the valued cultural interface of both worlds.

Sara Zwart
I have over 18 years of experience in architecture, landscape architecture and urban design. Since graduating with an honours degree in architecture, I have worked on a wide range of projects across these disciplines in Wanaka, Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland.
My projects seek to engage and align multiple internal council and external stakeholders around a common purpose and vision for urban regeneration of green infrastructure. I specifically work on the Awataha Greenway in Northcote and the Puhinui Stream in Manukau.
Prior to joining Panuku, I was Studio manager and a Landscape Design Lead at Jasmax for ten years. During this time, I worked on a range of landscape architectural projects. In recent years focusing largely on the areas of transport, green infrastructure and campuses.
I have an ongoing passion for sustainable and regenerative urban and landscape design and am actively involved in promoting this both through my project work and involvement with a network of regenerative design practitioners.
I believe that effective integrated design practice, and early stakeholder engagement is instrumental to the success of place-based and regenerative design outcomes. This interest has been further enriched by my understand and respect of Te Ao and Te Reo Māori. I value close collaboration with mana whenua and believe we all share a role of kaitiakitanga for this precious land.

Helen Mellsop
Helen has over seventeen years’ experience as a Landscape Architect and prior experience as a technical journalist and landscape contractor. She holds a degree in landscape architecture from Unitec Institute of Technology and has been an associate member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects since 2004 and a registered member since 2010.
Helen is a generalist landscape architect but has particular skills in landscape planning, public open space design, environmental design, client liaison, and public consultation. She has excellent written communication abilities, is well organised and efficient, and has a creative approach to design problem- solving. Some of her personal strengths include an ability to work well with others, a high level of integrity, and a positive attitude.
Landscape and visual assessment work is one of Helen’ s specialist areas, and she has considerable experience as an expert landscape witness in Council hearings and the Environment Court. Project work has included design and project management for parks and reserves, town centres, residential and commercial developments, stormwater facilities, ecological restoration projects, rural subdivisions, educational facilities and residential gardens.

Jonathan Moores
I have a diverse range of expertise including environmental hydrology, water resource management and stormwater research reflecting a career as both a researcher (now) and resource management practitioner (previously). I have led inter-disciplinary research to develop a planning tool to evaluate the effects of urban development on waterbody-related environmental, economic, social and cultural well-being indicators. I also lead studies investigating the sources, fate and treatment of contaminants in urban stormwater. These include: field-based source characterisation studies (e.g. to evaluate differences in the emission of metals in relation to traffic behaviour); macro-scale predictive modeling studies to guide future urban development; and studies into the effectiveness of contaminant control measures (treatment of urban sediment runoff, roadside stormwater treatment devices). Previous experience gained at Auckland Regional Council (1996-2005) included contributing to the development of statutory plans (such as the ARC’s Air, Land and Water Regional Plan), regulatory responsibilities (for instance the consenting of major public infrastructure works) and public liaison and education in relation to water resource management.