After leaving us in 2022 to take up a role as Senior Environmental Advisor at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Amy has rejoined our Christchurch office, and we couldn’t be happier to have her back. We caught up with Amy to chat about her journey, what she’s passionate about, and life outside of work.
Firstly, welcome back, it’s so great to have you as part of the Planz team again. What enticed you to return?
My main reason for rejoining Planz is the people in the office. During my previous time at Planz I felt that I was part of an organisation that genuinely cares about the people that make it successful. I also recognised the depth of planning experience held within the team and see my return to Planz as a great opportunity to continue grow my own experience alongside some very capable planning experts.
Everyone’s journey into planning is different. What got you into the field?
It was a bit of a happy accident! To be completely honest, I stumbled into planning while completing my undergraduate studies at Lincoln University. My initial plan was to gain my Bachelor of Tourism Management so I could get a role at Tourism New Zealand or another tourism focused organisation, but after I completed a few compulsory courses that were focused on natural resource management and Te Ao Māori perspectives and planning, I saw the important role planning plays in shaping the environment we exist within, which ultimately led me to complete a Master of Environmental Policy.
What do you love most about your job?
I really enjoy being able to learn more about the aspirations and key drivers behind the projects that I become involved in. I think having this knowledge helps me to better understand the types of outcomes that are being sought for a project and from that how to best problem solve any issues that may come up while navigating through planning processes (including resource consents and policy matters).
Alright, onto my favourite question, what’s your go-to dish to cook?
I’ve found a hack recipe for Lonestar’s Dixie Chicken and it’s become a bit of a go-to. It keeps getting better with each tweak, definitely a work in progress but a tasty one.
Yum! I’ll need that recipe, my kids would love it. So, when you’re not perfecting Dixie Chicken, what can we find you doing?
I’m a bit of a true crime podcast junkie, especially the big cases playing out in real time. I also hang out with my dog, Tui, and usually have some kind of home reno or landscaping project on the go.
What are you most proud of?
It’s a hard call, but being the first person in my family to get a university education is up there. That and being able to support my partner through his own career progression, from being a butcher to becoming a qualified (and very competent) builder.
Ka pai, Amy, those are huge achievements! Studying is tough, and part-time jobs help a lot. What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?
Back in uni, from time to time I would pick up odd jobs (via student job search) and one of them included walking a depressed dog to try to improve its mood/ energy levels. I don’t think I was too successful though, as I was only paid to walk the dog once!
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
I’d love to have a dinner with my entire family. I come from a big (and growing) whanau who are scattered across the place (including some based in Australia), so it would be awesome to get all four generations in one place for a meal.
And finally, one of my favourite questions, if you were a superhero, what would your special power be?
Having the ability to time travel would be amazing. I think I’d enjoy learning more about the history of the world and wouldn’t mind getting a view into the future world.
And last but not least, who inspires you?
I don’t really have a particular person in mind, but I am inspired by people who truly live off the land and lead a self-sustainable life. I think the right to self-determination is particularly inspiring.
Thanks so much, Amy, and welcome back, it’s awesome to have you with us again!
Have, you got a planning challenge you need help with. Get in touch with the team we’d love to work with you.
