February 2024 - Bay of Plenty Business News

10 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS February 2024
PEOPLE
> STUDENT PROGRAMME
> NEW
APPOINTMENTS
ANDREW MORAES
Mayor Tania Tapsell has announced
the successful appointment of Andrew
Moraes as the new Chief Executive for
Rotorua Lakes Council.
“Our Chief Executive plays a crucial
role in ensuring that we can deliver a
better future for Rotorua. We are excited
to have a leader as competent as Andrew
joining us to do so.”
Currently the General Manager of
Operations & Delivery at Taupō District
Council, Mr Moraes is a Chartered
Engineer and a graduate of the INSEAD
Global Executive MBA Programme. His
responsibilities at Taupō include Transport
Infrastructure, Water Management,
Events, Venues, Parks, Reserves and the
Programme Management Office that
delivers Council’s major Capital Expenditure
projects.
Prior to moving to New Zealand, his
professional career included extensive
international experience in business,
commercial developments, and organisational
leadership.
Mr Moraes and his family will be relocating
to Rotorua prior to starting on the
11th of March.
Mayor Tapsell said “While we completed
this recruitment process, we
have been very grateful for the
invaluable leadership
and support from
our Interim Chief
Executive, Gina
Rangi.
“She will
continue as the
Interim Chief
Executive until
Andrew begins, then
return to her Group
Manager role as
Manahautū
Te Arawa
Hourua –
Te Arawa
Partnership.
ALISON THOMPSON
In December Tourism Bay of Plenty
announced the appointment of new
Finance Manager, Alison Thompson.
Alison is a chartered accountant
who’s recently worked at large global
corporate organisations and also has
10 years’ experience in finance roles
on various boards and committees.
Her appointment follows the retirement
of Angela Cosgrove, who finishes
her decade-long tenure at
Tourism Bay of Plenty to
pursue other interests.
“I’m looking forward
to working in
a local organisation
that’s focused on being
positive about the wonderful
location we live
in, and learning of places
and activities I didn’t
know existed,”
she says.
WESTERN BAY SUMMER STUDENTS:
Surveying, sampling
and social media
Creating maps, taking water samples and filming TikToks with the Mayor
are just some of the tasks Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Summer
Students have been keeping themselves busy with.
The Council’s Summer Student Programme
offers an opportunity for
students to get valuable hands-on
experience, an insight into what Council
does and a taste of potential career paths
they could follow.
This summer, 11 paid positions were
filled, assisting the building services,
compliance, communications, water services,
library, emergency management
and information technology teams.
For most of the successful students,
it is their first paid employment in their
chosen fields of study.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for both
the students and Council,” says Head of
People and Capability Darren Crowe.
“The next generation will play a huge
role in creating new solutions that make
our communities’ lives better. Having
these great young minds on board brings
different insights and energy.
“Whether it’s responding to climate
change, helping deliver affordable housing
or growing authentic Te Tiriti based
relationships, as a Council we’re committed
to making the Western
Bay the best it can be, and our summer
students are helping us to address
the important issues facing our community,
while hopefully inspiring them to
pursue a career with Council when they
finish their studies.”
Paris Allum, who has just completed
a Bachelor of Science with the University
of Waikato majoring in Environmental
Science, has been helping out the Compliance
Support Team.
“I have been amazed by how much
goes on behind the scenes at the Council.
There are so many people who are passionate
and working hard to make the
community a better place for everyone
in it – there are so many different areas
all working towards one goal and I think
that’s really cool,” says Paris.
“I would definitely recommend it to
other students. It provides you with new
skills, introduces you to new people and
gives you an insight into how many different
jobs there are out there for your
degree. It has eased some of my worries
about what I want to do in the future as
you learn there are more opportunities
than you realise.”
Zac Hemmings, who is halfway
through a Bachelor of Civil Engineering
with Honours at the University of Canterbury,
and Daniel Guilford, who has
just finished his first year of a Bachelor
of Environmental Engineering at the
University of Waikato, have both joined
the Water Services Team for the summer.
“Most days I’ve been getting out in
the field doing sampling and surveying.
It’s really interesting and a great opportunity
to get an introduction to so many
fields of work that are available after
graduation,” says Daniel.
Zac says he is enjoying applying the
skills he’s learnt at university and being
able to work on real-life projects.
“When you’re studying full time, it can
be hard to see how what you’re learning
can actually be applied in a real-life scenario.
Working with engineers who specialise
in water services is interesting as
I have studied the processes and done
sampling before, but the capital works
side is different altogether. It will set
me up well to continue my studies, with
experience in what it’s like to work as a
civil engineer.”
In the Communications and Engagement
Team, Brooke Wilson has been
busy behind a camera making council
staff TikTok famous.
“Every day has been so different,
going out into the community, creating
social media posts, editing, and basically
anything to do with creating content,”
says Brooke, who is studying towards a
Western Bay Summer Students, from left, Brooke Wilson, Daniel
Guilford, Zac Hemmings, Paris Allum and, Ashleigh Keach.
Bachelor of Commerce at the University
of Otago, majoring in Marketing and
Accounting.
“It’s so valuable, learning about how
digital marketing systems are used in
real life, and the strategy and branding
that happens behind the scenes. It’s been
super interesting and beneficial.”
For Ashleigh Keach, who is gaining
experience with Council’s Building Services
team, it holds “special significance”
as it is her first job related to her studies,
having just graduated from Te Herenga
Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
Next year she will return to Wellington to
start her Master’s of Urban and Regional
Planning.
“The practical experience I’m acquiring
here is immensely valuable. University
has undoubtedly equipped me with
knowledge, but the on-the-job learning at
the Council surpasses it,” says Ashleigh.
“I highly recommend it. Not only
do you acquire invaluable knowledge,
but it’s also your gateway into the professional
arena. Earning while gaining
essential experience for personal growth
is a fantastic perk. And the opportunity
to forge lasting friendships and establish
connections with seasoned professionals
is invaluable. These connections can play
a crucial role in your journey ahead.”
Hayley Grieve, Michael Kean, Grace
Camplin and Melanie Arron have also
been employed by Council as Customer
and Library Services Summer Students,
while Matthew Adlam is working in IT
Support and Jordan Sadlier in Emergency
Management.
For those interested in future Summer
Student opportunities, Western Bay
of Plenty District Council advertises the
positions in October each year, with the
programme running from November to
February.