Ko wai mātou
Who we are
Tohu Environmental began as Kitson Consulting. Working closely alongside iwi, rūnanga, and communities on environmental kaupapa grounded in relationships, place, and meaningful outcomes.
Over time, the mahi grew, expanding in scope and complexity, and extending into work with councils, agencies, and industry.
As the work evolved, so did the team. What started as something quite personal became a collective, bringing together a wider range of expertise and lived experience. The shift to Tohu Environmental reflects that growth — not just in size, but in how we work together.
As Tohu Environmental, this is how we work: guided by those markers, and drawing on mātauranga Māori, science, and lived experience to deliver meaningful outcomes.
The meaning behind Tohu
Tohu speaks to the signs and guidance we draw from the environment — the patterns, signals, and understanding that inform our decisions.
It reflects how we work today: guided by te taiao, and drawing on mātauranga Māori, science, and lived experience to support better outcomes for people and place.
Tohu are the signs and signals within the environment — the patterns that guide understanding and action.
They reflect a way of reading te taiao, shaped by experience, knowledge, and connection to place.
Our kaupapa
We bring together mātauranga Māori, environmental science, and lived experience to navigate complexity and deliver practical, enduring outcomes.
Our work is grounded in tikanga and guided by whakapapa, shaping how we build relationships with clients, communities, and the environment itself. Mātauranga Māori is not an add-on — it underpins how we approach our mahi.
Through experience and strong partnerships, we deliver work that is technically robust, grounded in place, and culturally responsive.
Whanaungatanga — Relationships
Relationships come before process. We invest in the people we work with — iwi, hapū, agencies, and communities — building trusted partnerships that support long-term outcomes.
Kaitiakitanga — Guardianship
We are guided by a responsibility to te taiao. Every piece of work sits within a bigger picture — contributing to the protection and restoration of whenua, waterways, and ecosystems for future generations.
Mana — Integrity in action
We show up with integrity in how we work, how we engage, and how we represent the knowledge systems we draw on. We value respect, accountability, and doing the right thing — even when it’s not the easiest path.
Whai hua – We pursue meaningful, lasting outcomes
We are committed to delivering work that makes a difference. We bring together mātauranga Māori, science, and lived experience to navigate complexity and provide clear, practical solutions that achieve meaningful, enduring outcomes.
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