Media Advisor - Frances Adank
Background
Frances joined Environment Canterbury permanently in 2004 as the organisation's Media Advisor, after a number of years contracting to the Communications Section of the organisation. She has a Diploma of Journalism from Canterbury University and before journalism, she taught English in a number of Christchurch secondary schools. After that she worked for newspapers, freelanced for many publications and worked in public relations, including communications work for Christchurch MPs David Caygill and Lianne Dalziel.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
When a chance arose, she says. "It was time to get back to full-time work after bringing up my children and juggling part-time and contract jobs. I liked the staff at the council and the fact I was constantly learning something new." As an arts graduate with a strong interest in science and politics, the council offers her plenty of opportunity to work with both scientists and politicians in the interesting cross-over area which is the core work of the council, and where the media interest and the wider public come in.
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
Frances never fails to be impressed by the commitment and knowledge of people in their particular fields. She cites the work of the water scientists whose work affects people’s lives and the Pollution Hotline team who are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff when environmental disasters occur. One of her earlier jobs was to promote debate around air pollution in Christchurch. The "practical science" made an impression and she enjoyed seeing how the council arrived at helpful ways to encourage people to switch away from open fires and polluting old burners and clean up the Garden’s City's smoggy winter air.
What is a typical day?
Frances starts each day by turning on Radio New Zealand and reading the Press, particularly for headlines relating to the council. At work, she checks wider media coverage and meets with senior management, the chairman or councillors. Any issues are talked through with the appropriate people. Responses or follow-ups are lined up. Enquiries from media come in throughout the day and she oversees responses. Making sure the information going out to the media and through the media to the public, is clear, concise and unambiguous is a big part of her role. "No day is the same."
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
Working in a fast-moving political environment is one of the major attractions for Frances. "I like that interface with the political level, it is rarely predictable." She also feels good about publicising the work of Environment Canterbury as she says many of the organisation’s initiatives go unseen and unrecorded. "Generally we are well served by our local journalists. But given that the council as the referee or regulator is often the meat in the sandwich, it can be a big ask aiming to get fair treatment and not come across as officious. There are mostly good reasons for a decision. If not, people should do something about it – that’s where the councillors and the democratic process comes in."
On a personal level, she enjoys the company of many staff and councillors and keeps in contact with other communications staff in health agencies and local authorities.
How do you see your career progressing?
Frances is happy in her current role, but in the future may consider a move outside of Christchurch.
Enforcement Administrator - Victoria Johnston
Background
Victoria joined Environment Canterbury in April 2008 as a Consents Operations Officer. The role involved processing consent applications as they arrived, entering them into the database and checking required information was supplied. In December 2009, Victoria took up the role of Enforcement Administrator. Previously she worked for Ray White Real Estate in office administration, and prior to that lived in London for 5 years.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
Appreciating the environment and wanting to learn more about it motivated Victoria to apply for her first role with Environment Canterbury. She was also keen to join an organisation that offered career possibilities, as her previous position didn't.
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
Coming from a real estate agency with 12 staff, Environment Canterbury with several hundred staff spread over several buildings was "completely different". "I was a bit worried that I would get lost". However, Victoria has found staff "very friendly and helpful" and she appreciates the flexi hours policy that allows staff some leeway with working hours.
What is a typical day?
As Enforcement Administrator, a typical day is hard to define, as it depends on how busy the Pollution Hotline is and what calls are received. "The phone takes priority over all my other jobs". Victoria says most calls involve odour complaints including domestic chimneys, with a smaller number around effluent spreading, discharges to waterways and the taking of water. With 7 duty officers who investigate complaints, Victoria is responsible for ensuring information is recorded accurately and promptly passed to the team. It is a crucial link in the investigation chain that complete details concerning the nature, location and type of offending are accurately recorded.
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
Victoria enjoys the contact with the public her new role gives her and the variety involved with being at the frontline of receiving Pollution Hotline calls. She says staff at Environment Canterbury are very easy to work with and she believes the flexi hours policy is a great initiative, one e.g. taking hours in lieu for extra time worked. "Environment Canterbury does try to help out its staff; it's not just one sided." The training that Environment Canterbury puts into its staff is also a great motivator, "as the more they put into you the more you will be able to put into your job."
How do you see your career progressing?
As Victoria is still fairly new in the role, she says she can see herself staying for some time as she still has a lot to learn and "I'm enjoying working for the organisation."
If you need to call the Pollution Hotline [24 hours]:
[03] 366-4663 for Christchurch residents
0800 76 55 88 for residents outside of Christchurch
Resource Care Co-ordinator – Donna Woodley
Background
Donna joined Environment Canterbury in 2004 after completing a Masters in Geography at Otago University. Her MSc studies looked at coastal ecology and geomorphology, in particular the eradication of marram grass on Stewart Island and the effects of this on the ecology and forms of the sand dunes. She left Environment Canterbury in 2006 to head overseas, but returned in 2008.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
Donna says she didn't even know jobs such as Resource Care Co-ordinators existed before she spotted the Environment Canterbury job advertisement in 2004. During her university studies she had learnt about the resource consent and compliance officer positions, but not about the more hands-on field orientated Resource Care team. "I was really interested because I have always been involved in community learning and working with groups to achieve what they want to achieve."
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
Coming straight from university, Donna says the scale of the organisation was daunting. She initially worked as a temp helping the team processing the Project Aqua resource consent submissions for a couple of weeks, before joining Resource Care as an Assistant Co-ordinator. "I just thought it was a really big organisation with lots of different sections and people doing lots of different things."
What is a typical day?
In 2006, Donna was promoted to a Resource Care Co-ordinator, and has carried on in this role after returning from overseas travel. As she lives in a rural area outside of Christchurch, Donna has negotiated a remote working arrangement. Her job is varied and over a typical week she can be found in either the Christchurch or Timaru office one day a week, out in the field for another couple of days, with the final two days working from home. The arrangement suits her work as she lives in Central Canterbury and can visit farming and community groups located in that area. As a Resource Care Co-ordinator, her role is to provide advice and guidance to farmers and groups wanting to move towards more sustainable practices. She spends a lot of time with Streamcare and Landcare groups and is involved in project management.
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
Donna loves her job because she can see real benefits from working directly with the landowners and community groups she connects with. "This job makes a positive difference on the ground. I'm talking directly with the people who are managing our natural resources and giving them advice on improving the sustainability of their practices."
She likes the fact that working in the Resource Care team she gets to see many of the positive things which people are doing. "You are often dealing with people who have come forward voluntarily to ask for more information so they can do something positive. This gives you a very different impression than you often get. There are so many people working very hard to make sure that they are doing the best that they can for the environment."
She also commends Environment Canterbury on its flexibility for allowing staff like her to negotiate a new working arrangement. "My partner's job means that he lives outside the main centre so for me to be able to work from homes means a lot." She says the mix of working from her home office, being in the field and visiting the city offices is ideal for a Resource Care Co-ordinator.
How do you see your career progressing?
Because Donna has chosen to work remotely she acknowledges her career options are limited, but she would still like to progress to a Senior Resource Care Co-ordinator role at some stage. She is happy with her arrangements and says "it is a choice I have made to be remote based."
Coastal and Fluvial Scientist / Coastal Programme Convenor - Justin Cope
Background
Justin started working at Environment Canterbury in 1996 as Coastal and Fluvial Resources Officer, after completing a MSc in Geography and a Postgraduate Diploma in Natural Resources. Justin had some database experience at Environment Canterbury as a student, liked the feel of the place and thought it would be a good place to work. He has been working as Coastal and Fluvial Scientist since 2004 and was also made Coastal Programme Convenor in 2007.
What is a typical day?
There is no such thing as a typical day in this job! Justin may spend several weeks working on a technical report or evidence for the Environment Court, other days commenting on technical aspects of resource consents or planning applications, or talking to geography students at schools and universities. Since he added Coastal Programme Convenor to his workload, he links all the coastal projects at the council. "I co-ordinate the projects to make sure everyone is speaking with each other and knows what everyone else is doing." He also manages the annual planning budgets for coastal projects and is the connection between councillors and staff in the coastal area. On an ad hoc basis, Justin will go out in the field and collect environmental data on coastal processes, or become involved in project partnerships with other research agencies.
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
Justin loves the fact that no day is the same. "I move from doing technical investigations to auditing a resource consent to looking at the budgets for the next year all in one day." He also enjoys the job because he is genuinely interested in the data and feels the role is worthwhile. He says it is fulfilling to see that the information he collects is used by other people to make decisions (like whether or not to buy a house, etc). Justin is impressed with the family-friendly initiatives the organisation has developed, including flexible hours and being able to purchase leave. "Work-life balance is probably the thing that Environment Canterbury does quite a good job of." He also enjoys the social side of Environment Canterbury and is a member of the Social Club Committee.
How do you see your career progressing?
Management of a team is an option for the future, but Justin is enjoying the diversity of his current roles for now. While he's not a direct line manager, he operates as a project manager and says he's happy with the way his job is developing for the foreseeable future. Taking on the Coastal Programme Convenor's role has opened his eyes to breadth of challenges the organisation faces. "It's given me a whole new understanding of how the council ticks, especially from the decision making and long term planning strategic level."
Resource Management Planner - Luisa Magalhaes
Background
Luisa moved to New Zealand in 1990 and worked for 8 years for the United States Antarctic Programme. She enjoyed the job but left because of constant restructuring. She decided to go back to university and completed a BSc in Resources Studies on Environmental Policy and Management. Luisa joined Environment Canterbury as a Customer Services Advisory Officer in 2003, moved to a Consents Investigating Officer role in 2004 and then became a Resource Management Planner (Graduate) in July 2005. Two years later she was promoted to Resource Management Planner in the Air, Flows, Coasts and District Planning section.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
Luisa joined Environment Canterbury because she wanted to deal with regional-level issues – she prefers the big picture and the work is relevant to her degree. The customer services role was ideal to gain an in-depth, but broader view. She wanted to keep her options open for the future and this role allowed for a range of choices.
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
Luisa likes the fact that Environment Canterbury is a big organisation – big enough to be interesting, have resources and great facilities, but not so big that it is impersonal. "I particularly like the people that work here – they all have an interest in the environment." Luisa also likes knowing the issues from the inside – when Environment Canterbury is reported negatively in the Press, she knows more about the situation and considers Environment Canterbury is doing good work. She feels proud to be part of this organisation. Luisa is impressed with the way Environment Canterbury functions, particularly considering the size of the area covered and the variety of responsibilities it has.
What is a typical day?
Luisa's work day depends upon the season. She reviews environmental flows for waterways, develops policy and puts in place plans and strategies that set those environmental flows. During the summer months, she spends time in the field, a big part of this is consultation, holding meetings and talking with the public. During winter she is mostly office-bound undertaking research and planning. "A typical day differs seasonally. I'm more out in the field in summer because of research needs during the irrigation season. It's the time the rivers are going to be low. In winter it is office work and policy development."
How do you see your career progressing?
Luisa has been in the Planning section now for 4 years. She is thrilled to have joined the section, as working in Planning was her ultimate goal when she joined Environment Canterbury. Luisa thinks her role will keep her challenged and motivated for the long-term. She would like to see her role develop into a new area of environmental management. "One of the things that interests me now is integrated catchment management. I hope to be able to combine that with one of the many catchments I am reviewing and bring the theory into practice." She is confident that Environment Canterbury will continue to provide her with challenges. "It's limit-less".
Manager Secretariat - Jude Pani
Background
Jude joined Environment Canterbury in December 2004. Previously she had worked at the Christchurch City Council (CCC) for 14 years, most recently as Community Advocate for Hagley-Ferrymead. She was the principal advisor to the Community Board and led the public participation process and community engagement with a team of 8 staff. Before this she had worked in CCC's corporate office. Her academic background is in Management and Administration.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
Jude wanted to remain in Christchurch and continue working within local government, and this role at Environment Canterbury really appealed to her in terms of the responsibilities and the match with her previous experience. This type of job does not come up very often and this is the area she wanted to be working in.
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
The first thing that struck Jude was how nice the people are to work with. The day-to-day working relationships are enjoyable and this is very important to her. "I really like the culture at Environment Canterbury – by this I mean the philosophical foundation and values, what drives people. There is a real sense that people are here because they believe in what they are doing. It’s not just a job, it’s a profession, almost a calling." Jude also likes the fact that everyone is in support of the whole sustainability element. She also appreciates the great facilities such as the gym and café where the lattes are pretty good. She believes the café is a valuable resource for informal communication. She also enjoys working with the Councillors, who on the whole, she believes are very capable.
What is a typical day?
Jude has found some routine in her role, but this is mostly concerning the monthly council and committee meeting cycle. There is also a strong administrative focus to the role. As well as giving support and advice to elected members and supporting the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, Jude is responsible for providing advice on the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act and in her role as Privacy Officer, the Privacy Act. Other than the council meeting cycle, a typical day depends on projects and priorities that arise. "I'm still really driven by the democratic process side of the business, supporting the chairman and councillors in their governance and representative roles."
How do you see your career progressing?
Jude can see many opportunities that have arisen from her role. Outside of Environment Canterbury, she has been appointed to a national electoral working party and she sits on various working groups. "I've had challenges in this role. I've been through the 2007 local body elections and now we are working towards the 2010 elections. It is a dynamic environment at the moment. There's never a dull moment." Longer term, Jude may move to the North Island with her whanau.
Manager Regional Policy and Effectiveness - Andrew Willis
Background
Andrew has a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and an MSc in Resource Management (Policy and Planning). After leaving university in 1995, he worked in the resource management field for 2 consultancies in Christchurch, before working for a local authority in the UK. Upon returning to New Zealand, he joined Christchurch City Council (CCC), working initially on general planning policy issues, then specifically on central city revitalisation issues and initiatives for 5 years, before joining Environment Canterbury in 2005. Andrew says he much prefers working for councils compared to consultancies, as there is more emphasis on the quality of outcomes and processes and making the right decisions for the right reasons. With consultancies, the focus seems to be more on the needs and wants of the client.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
Andrew wanted to broaden his work experience into regional policy issues. The senior policy analyst role at Environment Canterbury that first attracted him to the organisation came along at a good time. Andrew enjoyed his 5 years at the CCC but wanted a career change and to open doors to other career possibilities.
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
Andrew's first impressions of Environment Canterbury were that it is well organised with a good orientation process and great facilities. The work environment is very positive, "people seem to be enthusiastic about their jobs and the organisation going forward." Also, the focus is on long-term goals. "Environment Canterbury appears to be proactive and goal directed rather than reactive."
What is a typical day?
Andrew was made Manager Regional Policy and Effectiveness in June 2008 after filling the seat on an acting basis since March 2008. A typical day now includes spending time managing his section, providing advice to his team on specific projects, completing budgets and responding to internal requests for assistance. He continues some project management and oversees project management by staff. As the section deals with how Environment Canterbury responds to Government policy, Andrew says the work is challenging and always interesting. Auditing how well the organisation is faring against its own Regional Policy Statement and other planning documents is another task. "Basically we look at what we said we would do and whether we are achieving what we said we would achieve?"
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
Andrew says the most enjoyable part of working at Environment Canterbury is finding solutions to complex problems, "sensible solutions that accommodate the majority of our stakeholders' desires." He also praises the way people are treated saying "staff have a clear understanding of what their role is within the organisation".
How do you see your career progressing?
Andrew is satisfied with his current role and enjoys particularly the challenges of managing people. He believes there is still plenty of scope for him to learn as a manager, especially around Human Resource issues and budgeting.
Clean Heat Project Business Team Leader – James Geekie
Background
James has spent the majority of his career working for Telecom and New Zealand Post. Prior to joining Environment Canterbury, he was Regional South Island Manager for a company called Reach Media, a fully owned subsidiary of New Zealand Post. His expertise is in management, administration, team leadership and customer services; areas he is passionate about.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
In 2008 Reach Media went through a major restructure and James felt it was time for a change. In July 2008 he joined Environment Canterbury as the Clean Heat Project Business Team Leader. He has always had an interest in the environment, especially as he has lived in Christchurch for over 30 years experiencing "the extremely bad air pollution nights during winter". This role gave James the opportunity to make a difference and to be part of a very successful team that offers subsidies and incentives to facilitate the change from older wood burners to new clean air approved appliances. It also enabled him to use his experience in team leadership and customer services.
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
The first thing that struck James was the size of the organisation and the diverse range of activities that Environment Canterbury is involved in. From day one he found the people extremely friendly and only too pleased to assist as he settled into his role. James noticed how passionate staff are about the environment. "They believe in what they are doing knowing that they can make a difference. There is a fantastic culture and a sense of belonging within Environment Canterbury which builds strong working relationships".
What is a typical day?
James has found some routine in the role, as most of his day is spent supporting the administration and assessor teams within the Clean Heat Project. He has also developed a close working relationship with the team leaders in Customer Services and Marketing. He is involved with the maintenance of the Clean Heat databases with support from IT and has been involved with significant changes to programmes offered as part of the Clean Heat Project. The role includes maintaining the established relationships with Clean Heat Project contractors and dealing with any issues as these may arise. Having a financial delegation means the authorising of contractor invoices on a daily basis and overseeing the preparation of customer invoices.
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
James thinks the passion of the people he works with is one of the best attributes of Environment Canterbury. "Knowing that you are making a difference; that our jobs do matter is something I haven't seen before and it's quite unique." He also praises initiatives such as secure parking for staff bicycles, the internal electronic bulletin board where staff can advertise items for sale and the active social club for helping staff feel part of the place. James also likes the organisation's focus on work/life balance citing the gym and the flexible working hours' policy. "People work extremely hard but it is also important to have fun."
How do you see your career progressing?
James can see many opportunities and challenges in this role and feels this will keep him motivated for the next few years. With the Air Plan coming into effect next year (2010) there will be new requirements for homeowners and he will continue to look for ways to develop, improve and make constructive changes within the Clean Heat Project. "It will make it easier for our team and our customers as well." Longer term, there are plenty of career opportunities within Environment Canterbury.
Consents Processing Team Leader – Richard Purdon
Background
Richard joined Environment Canterbury as a Compliance Officer in 2001. With a Masters in Geology from Victoria University (NZ), Richard had previously worked as a research officer studying the Great Barrier Reef in Australia along with a stint overseas where he held positions as diverse as a GIS technician, a cycle courier as well as work with a water utility company.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
Richard joined Environment Canterbury "because I was interested in working somewhere where I had good access to the things I like to do." As a keen mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast, the organisation's Christchurch location was appealing. Richard also wanted to be part of the public service working in an environmental field. "Because I have a core drive to protect our resources and make sure that they are used sustainably." He says he was attracted to a regulatory role because he sees this as the area that sets "acceptable resource use" benchmarks.
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
Richard's first impressions of Environment Canterbury in 2001 were that it was "under resourced considering the job we do." As the region experiencing the greatest pressure on its resources in New Zealand, Richard says Environment Canterbury has the country's biggest resource allocation problems. "We process three times more resource consent applications than any other council." Despite the difficulties, Richard says he's always been impressed with the commitment of staff to their tasks. He cites the Pollution Hotline team as a great example. "They do a sterling effort. For a small budget, they are pretty high profile." Richard says this approach can be found across the organisation. "People work here for more than just the money."
What is a typical day?
After 4 years as a Compliance Officer, Richard was made Senior Compliance Officer and then a Team Leader in the Compliance and Enforcement section in 2006. In October 2008, he moved sections and became Team Leader, Consents Processing, for South Canterbury. His team of 10 staff are responsible for auditing about 300 consent applications per year affecting water and land and are mostly irrigation-related. A typical day starts with Richard cycling to work, followed by a morning team-leader meeting. He then splits his time between team meetings, briefings with applicants and consultants, providing guidance to his officers, deciding whether applications need to be notified or not and liaising with other sections and stakeholders. His team "need to watch the clock constantly" as auditing and deciding on consent applications is subject to strict timeframes. In many ways Richard sees his role as a "gatekeeper" deciding, through the plans and the RMA, what is a sustainable proposal and what isn't. He feels privileged to be part of the system protecting the environment.
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
"Working with a bunch of people who really believe in what they are doing," is a huge part of the attraction for Richard. He also appreciates being given the chance to play a role in resource allocation. "The opportunity to have input into the decision making process, especially dealing with water matters which in Canterbury are right at the forefront of sustainability limits can be stressful, but is a great challenge which is highly rewarding."
How do you see your career progressing?
Richard is keen to stay in the resource management field, and would like to get more involved in decision-making in this area. He enjoys his work at Environment Canterbury because the organisation has "visions and ideals" and says he'd "like to make sure we improve our ability to put those into practice".
Passenger Services Operations Planner – Eliza Geelan
Background
Eliza moved to New Zealand from Ireland in early 2009. She had graduated the year before with a Masters in Environmental Planning from Queens University in Belfast. She applied for the Passenger Services Operations Planner role at Environment Canterbury and started work in May 2009.
Why did you join Environment Canterbury?
When Eliza saw the role, she wasn't sure she would apply, as her degree didn't cover transport issues. But as she researched the organisation and found out more about the role, she decided she would have a go. "Looking at their policies and what they did really interested me." Eliza says the fact the planner's role was not in a "typical" planning area she thought she would work in also appealed. "I thought I would work in resource consents or land use planning. I never would have thought I would work in Transport Planning."
First impressions of Environment Canterbury?
Eliza has been "very impressed" by the organisation so far and its people. "Everyone is so friendly and helpful." Coming to New Zealand knowing no-one meant Eliza relied on the organisation to learn about New Zealand life as well. She has been impressed by the training she has been given and the support from the Human Resources team. "I thought I was going to be under a lot of pressure, but it wasn't like that." Having a 2 week hand-over with the previous planner meant Eliza was able to come to grips with much of the role quickly. "I couldn't wait to get into her seat."
What is a typical day?
Eliza says the role is varied and she loves the fact she gets out talking with groups, as much as time in the office working at the computer. Her job is to plan the bus routes around Christchurch and as the contracts for the services expire every 5 years, there are always reviews of bus routes to complete and stakeholder consultations to undertake. On a typical day, she could be working with the publications team designing brochures for public consultation to encourage public feedback, analyzing the feedback received during consultation to identify the needs of the public and what improvements can be made, or talking with the bus operators about a range of issues. She also meets with Christchurch City Council community boards to discuss service reviews and Christchurch City Council staff to help with the bus priority lane projects, and Environment Canterbury's own council to discuss future planning.
What is the best thing about working at Environment Canterbury?
While Eliza enjoys the organisation and the varied nature of her role, what really impresses her is the autonomy and wide-ranging brief she has been given. "I suppose the best thing is the added responsibility I have been given with this job." She has already been sent on a conference on Public Transport Planning in Melbourne and appreciates the opportunity to really get her teeth into the role.
How do you see your career progressing?
Eliza wants to stay within the Transport Planning field and learn more about how other cities and regions plan for their public transport needs. "I'm very encouraged to stay in the field and I can see room to move up at Environment Canterbury."