New Master of Planning graduate, Josh McDonald-Davis, has always had a passion for the outdoors and the environment, and is a keen hunter and spear-fisher.
Also having to overcome the challenge of dyslexia, he has followed his passion, and is now working at Environment Canterbury as a resource management officer.
His degree, which would have been awarded at the postponed graduation ceremony, builds on his Bachelor of Environment and Society degree, with a major in Water Management.
Originally from the Tasman region, he went to school at Waimea Collage in Richmond.
“When it came time to leave school, I wanted to do something within the environmental management scene. I moved to down to Christchurch to attend Lincoln University, as it was a perfect fit for me.
“After making many good friends and enjoying my study, I wanted to further my education so that is what led me to do my master’s.
It complemented what he had learnt in his undergraduate study, he said.
“My master’s degree had a particular focus on the replacement of marine farm consents and the management of the coastal environment.”
It also gave him insights he can use in his job.
“My degree gave me an understanding of the role of the regional council’s obligations from the policy, planning and enforcement side.
“I saw the Resource Management Office role as the perfect opportunity to gain experience in all three areas as you are dealing not only with actively ensuring compliance, but working with consent conditions and the policy which informs the conditions.
“I really enjoy the role, as there is a great balance of fieldwork and office-based work. The team which I have become a part of is great as they are all really friendly, and have all got a great deal of knowledge and experience.”
Congratulations Josh!
