Grounded in experience Delivering better outcomes for te taiao

Tohu Environmental delivers environmental and scientific consulting services across Aotearoa, drawing on deep technical expertise and a genuine connection to place.

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A coastal scene with tall grass and trees in the foreground, and a body of water with a cloudy sky in the background.

A team grounded in mātauranga Māori, science, and lived experience

We work collaboratively with iwi, communities, government, and industry to navigate complexity and find solutions that last.

With strong regional roots across Southland, Otago, Canterbury, Rotorua and Wellington, our team brings depth of collective experience to every project. Practical, enduring, and shaped by the places we serve.

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Why Tohu Environmental

Grounded in relationships

Our work is built on strong relationships, trust, and accountability. We take a relational approach — working alongside people and organisations to achieve outcomes that benefit both communities and the environment.

Mātauranga Māori & science, together

We bring together mātauranga Māori and environmental science as a deliberate approach, applying local cultural knowledge where appropriate. The result is technically robust, place-based, and culturally responsive outcomes.

Flaxroots & grassroots expertise

Our team brings lived experience from the environments we work in. We combine practical, field-based knowledge with strategic thinking — working on the ground as well as at the planning and advisory level.

“Jane's ability to weave Western science with Mātauranga Māori is without doubt an amazing skill. Her team leads with integrity, wisdom, and care”

— Ally Crane General Manager
Aoraki Environmental Consultancy
“Tohu Environmental’s contribution has never been transactional. They work with purpose, humility, and a deep understanding of what it means to support mana whenua leadership. Their ability to bring people together, translate across disciplines, and amplify Māori voices in freshwater science makes them an invaluable ally.”

—Riki Parata Programme Manager
Hokonui Rūnanga Taonga Research
“I have had the privilege of working with Tohu Environmental on several projects, and highly value their expertise, knowledge and experience. Projects have always been delivered on time, to a high standard, and with clear and responsive communication throughout. Jane Kitson, and her team members, Ben Hodgson and Rata Rodgers, have always been exceptional to work with”

— Jane Bowen Freshwater Technical Advisor
Department of Conservation
“Dr Jane Kitson is a leader, collaborator, and kaitiaki of extraordinary calibre. She brings her whole self—wairua, mana, aroha—to her work, and in doing so uplifts others. Through Fish Futures, she has demonstrated what it means to work in true partnership with Māori communities, to lead with integrity, and to leave a legacy grounded in cultural renewal and environmental justice.”

— Dr Joanne Clapcott (Ngāti Porou)
Cawthron Institute
Dr Marc Tadaki Lincoln University
Dr Robin Holmes Cawthron Institute
Fish Futures Research Programme Co-leads
“What makes Tohu Environmental especially remarkable is that they don’t just build strong partnerships themselves—they enable and amplify collaboration across sectors. Whether connecting farmers, mana whenua, councils, community groups, or initiatives like Thriving Southland, they quietly play a vital role in helping others work together with purpose and integrity”

—Angus R. McIntosh Ahorangi Professor and Amo Tuarua (Rangahau) Associate Dean (Research)
Helen J Warburton Pūkenga Matua Senior Lecturer
University of Canterbury

Learn more about our mahi

He Tohu Rangatira Whakahaere

— Leadership Award

Winners of the KUMA Māori Business Awards 2025, recognising outstanding leadership in environmental research and science grounded in kaupapa Māori.

Close-up of carved wood award featuring intricate designs and face, with a braided cord hanging beside it, and another wooden surface with engraved patterns in the background.

Want to kōrero about your project?

We’ve been doing this mahi for a long time. The team has grown, and our name has evolved, but our kaupapa remains the same.

If you’d like to understand more about who we are and how we work, we’d welcome the opportunity to kōrero.

Email: info@tohuenvironmental.co.nz

Phone: +64 274 405064