About

Mike Copeland has been designing ecological wastewater systems since 2007. Mike's interest in wastewater grew out of designing his own off the grid house on a bush block on the West Coast. Mike and his partner Julie were keen to use an ecological wastewater system. They wanted a flushable toilet that used ecological processes if possible. After much searching they discovered a worm based, vermi culture, system which utilised an ordinary flush toilet and the fall they had from their dwelling to dose an irrigation system.

Mike decided to probe deeper into the field of sustainable wastewater management and attended a number of courses. He was lucky enough to meet and befriend one of the course tutors who had vast experience in this field. With this tutor's influence Mike has developed his wastewater design skills.

Mike has completed designs in every region of the South Island from the south coast of Southland to the outer Marlborough Sounds. All designs have all been processed and consented as either permitted activities or resource consents through the appropriate Regional, District or City Council.

Kiwi Pioneer Co Ltd's main emphasis is on designing onsite wastewater management systems that utilise natural - ecological - processes and require little or no electricity to run. Mike designs a number of specialised onsite wastewater management systems such grey water (humus) filters, wetlands, eco trenches and worm based systems.