Applied Ecology
Practical Ecological and Biosecurity Solutions.
Applied Ecology delivers practical, science-based ecological solutions that balance environmental outcomes with the needs of our clients. Our approach brings together almost 20 years of hands-on field ecology across New Zealand and Australia with advanced GIS, remote sensing and habitat suitability modelling, so our advice is grounded in both field surveys and what the data tells us. We also design and build GIS data capture, analysis and reporting systems that scale from small single-site projects to regional and national programmes, from mobile field apps and databases to dashboards and automated reporting, so information is collected consistently and turned into clear, usable results. We work collaboratively to deliver solutions that are practical, achievable and cost-effective, from planning through to implementation and ongoing management.
SERVICES
GIS, Remote Sensing & Habitat Modelling
We combine multi-season satellite imagery, terrain and land cover data with records from our own field surveys to model habitat suitability and map change across landscapes. Models are only as good as the ground-truthing behind them, so we test predictions in the field and refine them with what we find, giving clients mapping they can rely on.
GIS Data Capture & Systems
We design and build GIS data capture and management systems, from simple field apps for a single site to multi-user platforms supporting regional and national programmes. Custom mobile forms, databases, dashboards and reporting workflows turn field records into consistent, reliable data that teams can analyse, share and act on.
Ecology & Biodiversity
We carry out ecological site, vegetation and habitat assessments, from threatened species searches to Significant Ecological Area assessments. Experienced surveyors on the ground confirm what is present, assess ecological values and effects, and design mitigation that delivers real biodiversity gains.
Revegetation & Restoration
We plan and oversee revegetation and restoration, from site preparation and eco-sourced plant selection to maintenance and monitoring. Site visits and plot monitoring guide the right species for each site and track plant survival and canopy development over time.
Freshwater, Wetlands & Riparian
We assess streams, wetlands and fish passage, including wetland delineation, and design riparian and wetland planting plans. Field assessment of habitat and catchment pressures ensures restoration work improves water quality and freshwater habitat while meeting regulatory requirements.
Biosecurity
We deliver pest plant and animal control and surveillance programmes. Our field crews verify detections, and local knowledge and monitoring results shape control, so effort goes where it does the most good.
MEET APPLIED ECOLOGY
OUR STORY
Applied Ecology was founded to provide practical environmental solutions that deliver measurable outcomes for people and places. Our work draws on almost two decades of experience in ecological restoration, threatened species survey, predator control and biosecurity, and in building the GIS and data systems that support environmental programmes at regional and national scale.
We have managed restoration and pest animal programmes across hundreds of high-value ecological sites, coordinated landscape-scale predator eradication work involving hundreds of landowners, and delivered field data and reporting systems for councils, government agencies, conservation organisations and contractors.
We believe good environmental outcomes need more than good science alone. By understanding the operational realities our clients face, we develop practical, achievable solutions that improve environmental performance and support long-term sustainability.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to create resilient landscapes where healthy ecosystems, productive land use, and thriving communities exist together. We are committed to delivering science-based solutions that protect biodiversity, restore natural systems, and support sustainable environmental management.
By combining ecological knowledge, innovative technologies, and evidence-based decision making, we help clients understand environmental challenges, identify opportunities, and implement solutions that create meaningful long-term outcomes. We strive to be a trusted partner in environmental stewardship and ecological restoration across New Zealand.
OUR EXPERTISE
Applied Ecology provides specialist services across ecological assessment, restoration, biosecurity, environmental monitoring, GIS and environmental data management.
A growing focus of our work is habitat suitability modelling. We combine field survey records with terrain, land cover and multi-season satellite imagery to build survey-adjusted models that map where species are most likely to occur. We have used this approach to prioritise searches for critically endangered species, and the same methods can be applied to assessing development impacts, targeting biosecurity surveillance, choosing revegetation sites and planning predator control.
We also design field data capture, monitoring frameworks and reporting systems, and have developed data standards used at national scale, helping organisations collect, manage and use environmental data with confidence.
Whether we're supporting a local restoration project or a large-scale programme, our focus stays the same: practical solutions, reliable advice and measurable environmental outcomes.
Paul Kviecinskas
Paul is an ecologist, biosecurity specialist and GIS systems expert with almost 20 years of experience across New Zealand and Australia. He provides practical ecological and environmental advice to help landowners, organisations and developers navigate resource consent requirements, the Auckland Unitary Plan and environmental compliance.
His field background spans flora and fauna survey, threatened species salvage and translocation, freshwater and wetland assessment, ecological restoration, and predator control at every scale from single properties to island-wide eradication. He has managed restoration and pest animal programmes across hundreds of high-value ecological sites.
Alongside his ecology, Paul specialises in GIS, remote sensing and environmental data. His work includes habitat suitability modelling from satellite imagery and terrain data, developing methods to map invasive tree species from high-resolution imagery, designing field data capture and reporting systems, and building national-scale data standards for conservation and biosecurity programmes.
With a strong grasp of both field-based conservation and modern technology, Paul gives practical, solutions-focused advice across ecology, freshwater, biodiversity, biosecurity, restoration and environmental compliance.
