Wairoa District Council’s new district planner is ‘stoked’ that she has managed to secure a job back home in Wairoa in the area she studied in.

Sarah Johansen, daughter of Leslie and Alan, studied a Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University and was keen to return to Wairoa to work in resource planning.

“There would have only been one option for me for work back home and that is with Council, so when this job came up, I applied hoping that I’d be successful.”

“I’m born and bred in Wairoa and have a deep affection for our community and the people, I’m so stoked I was able to get a job with the Wairoa District Council.”

“Sometimes resource planning can be perceived as complex and overly bureaucratic, but I want to be the type of district planner that supports the community, looks for solutions and innovative ways of working with people so that it is an easier process to work through.”

“Although I’ve only been here a couple of weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a lot of different projects, from land use consents, building consents and subdivision consents. I’m still learning a whole lot of other stuff as well and that’s really exciting too.”

“I have a friend who studied with me and their job is to just look at signage. I’m so pleased I got this role with Council, I’m really lucky actually when I consider what some of my other friends are doing. I get the opportunity to work on some really interesting projects, and that is just too cool.”

“I also get to work really closely with our Building Control team and I’ll also have the opportunity to look at shaping our new district plan. I think the best thing about this role will be that I get to work with so many people from across the district. I’m looking forward to making my contribution to taking Wairoa forward”, Miss Johansen said.

Wairoa District Council Regulatory Manager, Helen Montgomery said she was pleased that we were able to engage local talent and expertise.

“Having a young woman from Wairoa, with the right qualifications and who has so much potential and enthusiasm to learn new things is great. Sarah will be an excellent addition to our team and I know she will help us at Council to bring about real positive change for our community”, said Miss Montgomery.

For more information:

Kitea Tipuna
Communications Strategist
Wairoa District Council
(06) 838 7309

5 July 2016

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