Watertight
solutions

Using our extensive expertise in freshwater ecology and water quality management, we offer high-quality advice on a range of issues related to freshwater resource management. Our services encompass:

• Integrating scientific insights into policy formulation, with a specific focus on establishing robust water quality limits based on sound scientific principles;

• Contaminant loss management at a catchment scale;

• Crafting and evaluating monitoring programs to ensure their effectiveness; and

• Developing implementation guidance for regional plan users.

We specialise in coordinating and overseeing complex multidisciplinary impact assessments, resource consent applications, and technical programmes to support policy development. We believe that meaningful interaction with communities is paramount for project success. Drawing from our wealth of experience, we excel in both leading and actively participating in consultation processes.

We excel at extracting the most from existing datasets, whether it be for a state of the environment report, a catchment investigation, or a simple compliance assessment, and reporting the results in a manner that is appropriate given the specific regulatory or research requirements of the project.

Torlesse delivers specialised technical support to regional councils, local authorities and private enterprises during the preparation and review of Assessments of Environmental Effects and compliance assessments.

Our involvement spans diverse resource consent applications, including those relating to:

• Municipal and industrial wastewater discharges;

• Stormwater network discharges;

• Sediment discharge from a range of activities; and

• River works including diversion, reclamation and structure installation.

Torlesse provides specialised technical support to councils, applicants and legal teams involved in projects progressing through New Zealand's fast-track consenting processes.

Our expertise includes the review and assessment of freshwater, water quality and aquatic ecology effects, preparation of technical evidence, and independent peer review of environmental assessments for large-scale infrastructure and development projects.

Our experience includes involvement in several nationally significant projects, including:

• Independent technical review for the Otago Regional Council on the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project;

• Independent technical review for the Otago Regional Council on the Macraes Stage 4 Expansion Project;

• Independent technical review for the Otago Regional Council on the Remarkables Ski Area Upgrade and Doolans Expansion;

• Technical advice relating to fast-track consenting processes and environmental effects assessments; and

• Appointment to an expert panel established to consider an upcoming application under New Zealand's fast-track approvals framework.

This experience provides Torlesse with a detailed understanding of the fast-track process, the expectations of decision-makers, and the technical standards required to support robust and defensible environmental outcomes.

Torlesse provides specialised technical support in the assessment and review of periphyton effects associated with wastewater discharges consented under the Water Services (Wastewater Environmental Performance Standards) Regulations 2025.

Our expertise includes the preparation and independent review of periphyton risk assessments, evaluation of nutrient enrichment effects, and assessment of compliance with freshwater policy and regulatory requirements.

Whether it is for consent compliance, state of the environment reporting, or targeted research investigations, Torlesse can deliver complete water quality and biological monitoring programmes; all the way from initial design to reporting.

The Torlesse team boasts extensive experience in supplying and presenting expert evidence at resource consent and regional plan hearings. Our expertise extends to pre-hearing processes, expert caucusing, and environmental court mediation.

Our team comprises specialists who have been involved in NPS-FM plan change processes in Southland, Canterbury, the West Coast, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and the Waikato. Torlesse can provide technical support during all stages of NPS-FM implementation, including community collaborative processes, regional plan drafting and Freshwater Planning Process hearings.