Richard is a respected industry leader in coastal hazard risk assessments and the effects of climate change on coastal hazards. He works with New Zealand councils, central Government and infrastructure owners - as well as governments across Australia and the Pacific - helping them to understand risk and to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies. He is also a sought-after technical reviewer and expert witness and technical advisor.
Being prepared to meet the challenges of climate change and sea level rise helps to create resilient, sustainable communities and economies. Richard’s contribution is based on 30 years’ specialist experience in coastal engineering, coastal processes, multi-hazard risk assessments, and dynamic adaptive strategy planning.
Richard was the technical lead for coastal hazard, risk and adaptation for the Hawke’s Bay coastal hazard resilience strategy 2120, Project Director for New Zealand’s first National Climate Change Risk Assessment and supporting Auckland Council with their shoreline management plan pilots. A pioneer in his field, he has recently helped to develop an international guideline on Natural and Nature-Based Features for coastal protection.
Education
BE (Hons), Civil, 1985, University of Auckland, New Zealand
ME, Coastal, 1989, University of Auckland, New Zealand
RMA: Making good decisions, 2005, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Certificate of Management, 2002, New Zealand Institute of Management (NZIM), New Zealand
Certificate in Multi Hazard Risk Assessment, 2014, University of Twente, Netherlands
