At Matai we have a combined experience of over 80 years in consultancy, irrigation design and farming. Matai Consulting is your trusted rural partner of choice. Our skilled team are resourceful and approachable and ready to work alongside you and your farm.

Our skill sets are complimentary allowing us to work with you on many different areas, providing you with a complete service.

Who We Are

Meet Our Team

Paul Reese

Paul brings over 25 years farming experience, 5 years project managing with IrrigationNZ and 8 years consulting. Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and technical skills to the irrigation and farm systems sector. Equally comfortable advising in the board room, talking one on one with farmers or, delivering a training course to groups of people or writing a technical report, communication is a key skill.  

“I enjoy working with people. I put a lot of store on integrity, respectful relationships, and helping people find a solution to their needs. I use my knowledge of farm systems and technical skills to give sound advice.”  

Brendon Jolly

Brendon has over 25 years of irrigation and farm infrastructure design specialising in community irrigation schemes and on farm irrigation. In addition to irrigation design, he has experience with composting barns, effluent schemes, fish screens and general infrastructure. This strong technical background alongside environmental and farm planning qualifications and the ability to relate and understand issues means his skillset and knowledge is widely respected.

“The ability to design water schemes and farm infrastructure from a technical and practical perspective is my point of difference.”

Marie Briden

Marie began with Matai as an intern to complete her Geography degree from the Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg in Germany. She impressed with her initiative, communication and hard work. Having worked on farm as a dairy assistant she knows what it takes to farm and is now learning the environmental aspects of farming in Aotearoa New Zealand.   

“I enjoy the contact with people and learning about different farming systems as well as environmental variety. Over the next couple of years, I am looking forward to developing my role to become an environmental consultant.”

Hazel Carr 

Hazels rural background of contract milking in North Canterbury provides a good understanding of the daily aspects of farming and has meant that she connects and communicates well with farmers. This compliments the technical knowledge gained from a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) and over 5 years as a farm environmental consultant and dairy effluent advisor. Hazel prides herself on providing competent, in depth, yet farmer friendly environmental advice. 

“I enjoy working with farmers to help them achieve their goals, develop their business and meet regulatory requirements.” 

We have a passion for the rural industry and the clients that work in the field.