Kendall Goode

Environmental Consents Planner
Taupo District Council
Working for 1 year 

“Local government is great, particularly for people who have recently graduated."

My work as an Environmental Consents Planner

My day to day job consists of processing subdivision and land use consents, going on site visits all over the Taupo District, meeting with people to discuss planning issues and helping people understand what the Taupo District Council do. 

Degree in Social Science

As a planner it's important that you have good organisation skills, be enthusiastic, have oral and written communication skills and be able to deal with a range of different people. Most planners will have been to University to study, like myself not everyone does a specific degree based on just Planning, for example I did a Social Science degree majoring in Geography and Political Science and Public Policy, other planners I know have done Science degrees, it's really important that you study something you enjoy. 

Enjoying my job

What I like most about my job is that I am challenged everyday and am always learning something new.  Another great thing is that I get to work outdoors and be close to nature.  Having the best scenery in New Zealand as my work environment makes coming to work everyday worthwhile.

Local government as an employer

Local Government is great, particularly for people who have recently graduated, as there is the time and resources available for training and also make sure you have opportunities available for you to progress.

Working at Taupo District Council

Taupo District Council is an awesome place to work, I have been extremely lucky and that the people I have worked with and currently do are fun, outgoing and full of experience and have taught me a lot.