The PALMS Team

PALMS offers a wide range of resource management services through its full time staff and a diverse group of associates: skilled, quality people whose expertise is available as your project demands.

Ron Sutherland

• Qualifications:
MA, Canterbury University
Dip. Natural Resources, Lincoln University

• Degree Major:
Geography and Natural Resources

• Specialties:
Watershed management
Forest Development
Land Management
Aquaculture Development
Group Facilitation

Ron has more than 28 years in public and private practice with various New Zealand agencies. International assignments have included catchment management consultancy for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in the Middle East, as well as work in Australia, Japan, China and Papua New Guinea.

Ron's qualifications and diverse experience ensure that he has the practical, technical and political skills to meet your needs. In addition, Ron is the Executive Officer of Marlborough Forest Owners Association.



Vern Harris

• Qualifications:
Diploma in Forestry
NZ Institute of Forestry
Registered Forestry Consultant


• Specialties:

Plantation forest development
Plantation management and Administration (tropical and temperate)
Rural fire prevention and control
Staff training

Vern has over 30 years experience with forestry planning and management in New Zealand and overseas. Assignments have included forestry planning, development, management, fire prevention and staff training in Western Samoa, Indonesia, Australia and Vietnam as well as throughout New Zealand. Vern's extensive experience and skills ensure you receive practical, up to date development and management services.

PALMS' Client Base

PALMS' staff have serviced a wide range of clients - from private individuals and businesses to Government Departments in New Zealand and International Agencies. Clients have included:

  • Marlborough and New Zealand land and forest    owners
  • New Zealand government agencies
  • New Zealand district and regional councils
  • United Nations and other agencies
  • Energy and electricity suppliers
  • Aquaculture industry
  • Other related consulting firms
  • International forest companies
  • New Zealand non-government organisations

Professional Affiliations

  • New Zealand institute of forestry
  • New Zealand association of resource management
  • Forest and rural fires association of NZ
  • New Zealand geotechnical society

Property and Land Management Services
PO Box 751, Blenheim, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 578 1733
Fax: +64 3 578 1797
E-mail: palmsltd@xtra.co.nz