Who are you?

My name is Mike Massey, and I am an environmental scientist. I live in Aotearoa New Zealand, and provide advice to support positive outcomes for people and the environment. The services you will find here are primarily advice about contaminated land and water issues.

What are your qualifications and experience?

I have nearly twenty years of experience in environmental science, including environmental regulation, teaching, and research. My areas of expertise include contaminated land, nutrients and contaminants in soil and water, contaminant transport, soil and water chemistry, and water quality. I’ve published or co-authored over twenty research papers on these topics, and a book chapter, and am still active in publishing my scientific work.

I hold a Doctor of Philosophy degree in environmental science from Stanford University, and a Master of Science degree in soil science from Colorado State University, both in the United States. I am also a Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP, number 1361).

Most recently, I was employed as Principal Science Advisor on the Contaminated Land and Waste team at Environment Canterbury (the Canterbury Regional Council, commonly known as ECan). I still work for ECan, as a contractor.

In my time at ECan, I reviewed many hundreds of reports, gave advice on a lot of consents both big and small, provided expert evidence for hearing panels, participated in Environment Court processes, and supported the Compliance and Enforcement teams. I have worked on many tough contaminated land issues at the local, regional, and national levels (coal tar guidance, biosolids guidance, composting guidance, arsenic bioavailability advice, cleanfills and landfills…)

What are your rates?

It depends on the work. Depending on the specifics, I might recommend an hourly rate, or a one-time flat fee. My fees are competitive with those of other environmental and contaminated land consultants.

Why does your business have a Te Reo Māori name?

For the record, I am not originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, but Te Reo is woven into the fabric of this place—in fact, it’s one of the official languages. I chose the name Māia Nui as a way to show respect to the place I call home.

Do you work for private commercial clients too?

My passion is for public service, and for service to the public. This includes councils, iwi, community groups, and members of the general public. However, depending on the work, I am happy to consider working for a private commercial client, as well. If I can’t help you, I can try to refer you to someone who can.

Where are you based? Do you do fieldwork?

I am based on the South Island of New Zealand, in Dunedin and Christchurch. I am happy to do work all over New Zealand, though, if there is an issue I can help with.

I am not usually available for fieldwork, but might be available for a field visit, depending on my schedule (see below).

Do you do this full time?

Actually, no. I am in the process of retraining to become a physician (it’s a long story). So I’m a full-time student, and a part-time Principal Science Advisor. I’m passionate about serving the people of Aotearoa, and I spent many years developing expertise in environmental and contaminated land issues—so this is my way of making my expertise available. It would be a shame to waste all of that effort, after all. If I can help you, get in touch!

This website is pretty basic…?

Sales and marketing have never been strengths of mine, and the purpose of the website is to begin a conversation about how I might be able to help you. A fancy website is nice, but not a must-have.

If you would like examples of my work, a decent portion of it is publicly available, either on the Environment Canterbury website, or via scientific publishers (see Google Scholar for a list).

If you know of someone who might find my services useful, I would be grateful if you could refer them to this website or encourage them to contact me.