Meet Our Team
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Read what some of our talented team have to say about working at the Council.
Kat – Frontline Services Coordinator (Outreach)
Why did you join the Whanganui District Council?
Funnily enough, it was destined to be… I was working with Auckland Libraries and my husband needed to move to Whanganui for his job. At exactly the same moment my current role was advertised. I came over for an interview and the rest is history.
What is the best thing about working at the council?
I work at an awesome workplace where no two days are the same and there is plenty of variety in tasks, so there is literally never a dull moment.
My particular role puts me in the heart of the community, not only by managing the Gonville Library but enabling me to network on a daily basis. I get to connect with people and third party organisations and help make things happen.
I’m also an avid reader, always have been, and I can’t think of a better way to spend my working days, surrounded by books. Always straight at the source when new books arrive and among the first to actually see and hold them. For me, new books have something magical, pristine as they are.
The best thing about working for the council for me is that I’m able to shape and change my role to reflect the changes around us, and I’m always supported when doing so.
Why would you recommend someone to join us?
Because we are a value-driven organisation and have systems and processes in place, it is really easy for individuals to slot in. There is always room to be yourself and to make your work count.
Anthony – Senior Emergency Management
Why did you join the Whanganui District Council?
After a career with the New Zealand Royal Navy and then significant overseas travel, I returned to Whanganui looking to settle down in a place I have always considered home, no matter where I was in the world. Travel had taught me the value of having a sense of community so I looked for a role where I could contribute, give back and help using my life experiences and training. When the Emergency Management Officer job arose I jumped at the opportunity and applied.
One of my main aims when I started was to work with and prepare my hometown community to be more resilient in times of disaster. It is and I’m proud to be part of that.
What is the best thing about working at the council?
The culture and the atmosphere of professionalism that you get from working with such a great and highly motivated team. I enjoy interacting and working with all my work colleagues. The knowledge and skills I gain daily from working with so many experienced individuals improves and enhances my own knowledge and skills. The Whanganui District Council has also opened up an educational gateway and supports me to pursue a university academic pathway.
Why would you recommend someone to join us?
I would highly recommend anyone to join us at the Whanganui District Council as it is a place that continually pushes its staff to strive for excellence and to challenge themselves, while still providing its employees with a positive work environment. This is our place and our community.
Lucy – Aquatics Manager
Why did you join the Whanganui District Council?
I was lucky enough to join the council within an industry which gave me so many opportunities in my youth growing up around and in the pools. It is very special being based at a place where patrons and team members enjoy coming to each day.
What is the best thing about working at the council?
Every day is different; there are so many intricacies to the council. It is unique in that everyone that works here comes with a wide variety of skills, background experience and knowledge, and it all fits together to provide quality services to our wider community.
Why would you recommend someone to join us?
When we recruit to our team, I recommend here for the same reason as I would to the wider council team – there are so many opportunities. If you excel in an area but want to try something new, or apply your knowledge - to a different area, there are so many great people to connect with and opportunities to grow as an individual within your career.
