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Sara Nicholson, Environmental
Planner (Policy)
After four years studying in a city with a somewhat 'challenging’ climate
I knew I had to move to sunnier pastures. Originally
from Hawke's Bay, I was drawn back to the climate and
great wine Hawke's Bay has to offer.
I started as a graduate with Hastings District Council in
the Environmental Consents Team. What I like about this job
is the possibility of being exposed to a really diverse mix of
planning issues. Hastings District covers a significant
land area encompassing coastal settlements, rural service
settlements and main urban centres – that means the
issues and the experiences are really broad and diverse,
not to mention the site visits!
I’ve just moved to the Environmental Policy Team,
working with a small supportive group who provide policy
advice to the Council and the Community. Our team
is also working on reviewing the Hastings District Plan
in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, and that’s
a really interesting task.
I’ve been here five years now and in that time I’ve
found the Council to be supportive of my career aspirations
and proactive in offering professional development and
training opportunities. And I really enjoy working
with a great bunch of people from all different disciplines
and perspectives. |
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Mark Kinvig, Roading Asset and Programme Manager
I came to Hawke’s Bay with my wife and kids in June
2005. I’d seen an ad about New Zealand in
a civil engineering magazine in the UK and liked the look
of the place. I’d never really travelled before
so I guess it was a big step coming all this way!
I finished my civil engineering degree in 1991 and then
worked for a local authority in Liverpool until I came here. This
job has more challenges, more job satisfaction, more responsibilities
and more control over the direction of the organisation.
Our lifestyle here is much better than it was in the UK. The
kids’ schools are great, and my wife and I both love
our jobs. The outdoor lifestyle here really suits us. There’s
always a lot to do, especially in the summer, and the weather
is terrific! Our family are coming out to see us this
summer – that’ll be fantastic - it’ll be
great to show them around and share our bit of NZ with them. This
is home now. |
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Ian Macdonald, Environmental Manager
After spending a couple of years travelling and working
in the Middle East in the mid nineties it was time to start
my planning career and use the degree I had spent so much
time getting. So when an opportunity came up to work
as a consents planner in Hawke’s Bay - and knowing
what a great place this was to live - I had to take it.
I’ve worked my way up the organisation as opportunities
have arisen and I know the Council is supportive and encouraging
in growing and promoting its own staff.
I’ve worked for organisations all over the world and
this would have to be one of the best. The people are
friendly and easy to work with. The work is varied
and challenging. I’ve worked on a variety of
development and policy projects. I’ve even had
the opportunity to manage projects which aren’t directly
planning-focused. The local environment is stunning
and expansive – we’ve even used a helicopter
to do some site visits! |
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Julia Fox, Environmental Consents Planner
I moved to Hastings fresh from University to start my first ‘real’ job,
but have found so much more. The Hawke’s Bay is an
awesome place to live with beautiful landscapes and beaches,
not to mention all the wineries! Most importantly are the
friends I have made, I work with some really awesome people
who have made me feel so welcome.
The Hastings District encompasses a wide range of resources;
as a Consent Planner I have had the opportunity to work on
a range of different issues, processing both Land-Use
and Subdivision applications. Working within a small
team, I have been able to draw on the experience of more
senior members. I have learnt more than I ever could have
expected, and I can see that there are many more opportunities
to come. |
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Jessica Soutar Barron, Communications Officer
I spent ages looking for the right job in Hastings so I
could move here. It’s got that sense of community
I loved so much when I lived in London. Hastings CBD,
Havelock North, Clive, Waipawa, Napier and Taradale, they’re
all interesting, vibrant villages, and they’ve each
got something different to offer: they’ve got their
own buzz. And at the same time we’re very close
to beautiful beaches, and to vineyards and orchards and golf
courses, and also to the ranges where we can go tramping.
I love working for the Hastings District Council. It’s
diverse work and every day I feel like I’m doing something
important for the communities around me. The Council
is very focused on the future and the people I work with
are a really innovative and inspiring bunch – down-to-earth
too! Working for the Council means you’re right
in the middle of everything and you’re making a difference,
and that’s a great feeling. |
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