Dr Judith Roper-Lindsay is an ecologist with over 40 years’ experience in ecological planning and management, providing ecological assessments for significant development projects throughout New Zealand. She has made an immense contribution to environmental practice in New Zealand, particularly in advancing and elevating the role of professional ecologists in environmental impact assessment.

As one of the first consultant ecologists to practise in New Zealand, Judith has served as a trusted advisor to central and local government, NGOs, and private clients. Her work has shaped much of today’s ecological practice in New Zealand. Judith arrived in New Zealand in 1981 after completing her PhD in botany at the University of Durham and working with the Scottish Nature Conservancy Council, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Fife Regional Council.

From 1981 to 1988, she collaborated with planners and landscape architects in the Ministry of Works and Development, focusing mainly on environmental assessment and the design of roading operations. She later transitioned into environmental consultancy and worked as a self-employed ecologist.

Judith’s passions include urban ecology and the integration of ecological principles into environmental impact assessments. Judith pioneered the role of the professional ecologist in New Zealand with her seminal publication, The Future Roles of Ecology and Ecologists in New Zealand, and has consistently provided thought-provoking and helpful guidance. One of Judith’s significant achievements was leading a team as the primary author of the Institute’s Ecological Impact Assessment Guidelines (EcIA), which received the New Zealand Resource Management Law Association award for best documentation in 2015. The scope, depth, and practical utility of these guidelines are a testament to Judith’s dedication to the exacting role of ecologists in the resource management process.

Her involvement in EIANZ has been extensive. She served as President of the NZ Chapter from 2005 to 2008 and was on the organising committee for the first EIANZ conference held in Christchurch in 2005. As a founding member of the Environment Institute of Australia in 1988 (now EIANZ), Judith was awarded the Simon Molesworth Award in recognition of her substantial contributions to the Institute and was elevated to Fellow status in 2016. She continues to sit on EIANZ committees and advises the NZ Chapter on key matters of interest.

In addition to her work with the Institute, Judith has held leadership roles in the New Zealand Ecological Society, the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, and the NZ Conservation Authority. Throughout her career, Judith has consistently demonstrated the highest levels of ethical behaviour and integrity. She remains a mentor and an inspiration to ecologists across all stages of their careers.