Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science, University of Otago

Master of Science, University of Auckland
'Export Development in the  Kingdom of Tonga'

Garth Atkinson has a Batchelor’s degree in science and a Master’s degree in development studies and was the foundation Head of the Unitech School of Landscape Architecture and Plant Science.

He has over twenty five years experience in international consulting in over 20 different countries throughout South East Asia, Africa and the Pacific. The focus of his work has been on the use of the Delphi Process and Soft Systems Methodology to engage communities in developing innovative strategies to overcome barriers for environmental, social and economic development. His experience includes project management, project design, implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation with particular emphasis on the development of linkages between government departments, SOE’s, NGOs and communities.

Specific Expertise & Skills

• Project management/team leader
• Agribusiness development
• Market development and product promotion
• Small enterprise development
• Agricultural development
• Integrated rural development
• Agricultural extension and training
• Project monitoring and evaluation
• Project design & appraisal
• Community based business development
• Institutional strengthening
• Infrastructure development
• Macro and micro- economic analysis