Our Team

Dr Graham Ussher

Dr Graham Ussher

Principal Ecologist / Mobile: 027 2727 930 

Graham started RMA Ecology in 2016 when he relocated from Auckland to the Nelson / Tasman region. The location has worked well, as it is easy to access clients throughout New Zealand.

Graham has more than 30 years’ experience with government agencies and the commercial sector assessing biodiversity and biosecurity issues. He brings a multi-disciplinary approach to ecological monitoring and assessment, strategy development and implementation, and project design and management.

Through his involvement with resource developers, local government and government agencies, he is a recognised leader in New Zealand in the field of ecological effects management – including offsetting and ecological compensation - incorporating ecological risk assessment with detailed project engineering design. Graham regularly presents expert evidence on these matters to local hearings, Boards of Inquiry and the Environment Court.

In his downtime outside of work and family life, he enjoys spending time hiking and kayaking.

Zac Milner

Zac Milner

Senior Ecologist 

Zac joined RMA Ecology in 2021. He is a passionate and pragmatic ecologist with more than six years’ experience as a consultant and a background in field conservation. With expertise in botany, restoration ecology and invasive weed ecology, he has worked on projects throughout New Zealand and in remote locations, including Lord Howe, South Georgia and Gough Islands. More recently Zac has developed skills in freshwater ecology and herpetology.

Zac is proficient in technical writing having led ecological values assessments, effects assessments, eradication feasibility studies, and ecological restoration plans for local government and private clients.

He is knowledgeable of the local environment and legislation. He values client relationships and positive environmental outcomes through end-to-end project management and delivery. 

When not at work, some of the things Zac loves is time with his young family, helping friends with restoration planting projects and running marathons.

Jeroen Lurling

Jeroen Lurling

Senior Ecologist

Jeroen joined our team in 2022 and brings over twenty years’ experience in ecology assisting clients in the commercial sector, and in local and central government. 

His areas of expertise include avifauna, freshwater ecology, wetlands, botany, restoration ecology and bats. He has worked on projects throughout New Zealand and in remote locations including Gough Island and the Australian outback. More recently, Jeroen has developed skills in herpetology.

Jeroen is adept with ecological monitoring and resource consent needs, including ecological values assessments, ecological impact assessments and management plans.

Outside of work Jeroen enjoys travel, renovating his home, and restoration planting on his West Coast property.

Mark Newton

Mark Newton

Ecologist

Mark has been part of RMA Ecology since 2020 and has 15 years of science and environmental management experience for clients that include local and central government agencies and the commercial sector, alike.

He is passionate about assisting individuals, businesses, communities, and agencies to develop effective solutions to their unique ecological management challenges. Mark’s multi-disciplinary skillset that spans ecology and environmental studies equips him with a comprehensive ‘toolbox’ with which to assist with the development of complete solutions to ecological management challenges. 

In his personal time, Mark enjoys creating music, playing basketball, and was 2017 Nelson Air Hockey Tournament champion.

Emily Roper

Emily Roper

Ecologist

Emily started with the RMA Ecology team in 2022 in a part-time capacity. She has over 12 years’ experience of working in the ecological and nature conservation field. With experience of working for a range of different organisations from local government to the charitable sector, and in both the UK and New Zealand she brings a wide range of skills and knowledge to the consultancy sector.

When not in the field or office, you’re likely to find her out ocean swimming, running long distances, and managing her young children’s lives.

Holly Madden

Holly Madden

Ecologist

Holly joined us in late 2022 as a graduate ecologist. She is a highly competent and invaluable member of our team, with a BSc from Victoria University and previous experience working on construction sites, with Council parks teams and fieldwork experience for other environmental consultancies.

Outside of work she is happiest on the courts playing netball and volleyball, or spending time in the outdoors.

Douglas Fotheringham

Douglas Fotheringham

Ecologist

Doug was welcomed to the RMA team in 2023 as a graduate ecologist. With enthusiasm and a ‘can-do’ attitude he’s a great asset to our team.

Doug has a BSc from University of Canterbury and extensive experience of working in the outdoors. His childhood and teen years growing up in rural Southland, close to his grandparent’s farm paved the way for his interest in the outdoors and environmental sciences. Obtaining his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award and volunteer firefighter training are testament to his can-do attitude and with wide experience working in environmental, construction and horticultural businesses prior to joining our team, he’s familiar with the type of environments that our team work on.

In his downtime, you’ll find Doug on the rugby field, socialising with friends, or out in the bush exploring new areas.

Liz Ussher

Liz Ussher

Office Manager

Liz has managed the administrative side of the business since RMA Ecology was formed in 2016 with her role growing as our team has grown.

Outside of work she loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, and hiking.