This year NZAIA has been able to support six postgraduate students to attend the conference. Learn more about them below!

Kestri Ariyanti

I am Kestri Ariyanti from Indonesia, a postgraduate student of Master of Planning at Lincoln University. I am interested in social impact assessment and community collaboration. For my study, I will take ERST 621, Principles of Environmental Impact Assessment by next semester. I have just started my dissertation research on the impact of community participation using the Just Transition Management Strategy in New Zealand Just Taranaki Unit initiative. I hope that the NZAIA conference, my study and my research will help me to identify a better mechanism of environmental protection and collaboration strategy in the future, as well as supporting my career in achieving sustainable districts in Indonesia*. 

notes: * http://kabupatenlestari.org/en/ 

Rata Muda

I was born on the island of Borneo, and am currently researching forestry innovation systems for my Master’s thesis at Massey University. I am interested in exploring the potential impacts of climate change policy on land-use decisions - especially for Maori - and the tools we have (or lack) to holistically assess these impacts. This area of impact assessment is of particular significance given my indigenous heritage, New Zealand's multicultural context, and the Climate Change Commission’s proposed annual native afforestation target of at least 25,000 hectares until 2050.

Lana Chisholm

Lana Chisholm (she/her/hers) is a trans-disciplinary researcher with a background in health sciences and a specific interest in environmental epidemiology. She began dabbling in impact assessment as a development manager for a the nature-based holiday program and growing social enterprise, Conscious Kids. Lana has recently started on an MBIE supported PhD project establishing baseline measures for urban regeneration impacts on Auckland youth wellbeing in partnership with Kāinga Ora. She lives in South Auckland with her toddler, partner and two chickens.

Michaela Aspell

Michaela is an Advisor at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and a part-time masters student studying Climate Change Science and Policy at Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington. A Natural Resources Engineer by training, she previously worked at Tonkin + Taylor where she was seconded to Lyttelton Port Company as an Assistant Project Manager for large regulatory approvals under the RMA.  She is passionate about environmental sustainability and particularly interested in the interaction between mātauranga Māori and climate change adaptation and mitigation. 

Katie Knopp

I am a master of planning student in my final year of studies at University of  Otago. I am currently writing my thesis on planning policy and managed retreat  as climate change adaptation, looking at how to develop a fair and effective  strategy for the future. I have also completed previous research regarding citizen  engagement on local government Facebook platforms, both studies have given  me a real passion for finding new ways to help people. After this year I am  excited at the prospect of starting my career as a planner and working in finding  new ways to learn more.

Christy Songola

Christy is a Master of Water Resource Management student in the Waterways  Centre for Freshwater Management, based at Lincoln University. Amongst the  various forms of impact assessment, he has special interests in development induced displacement, and involuntary resettlement with a commitment to  learn and contribute to work that will improve resettlement practice. On top of  his interests in groundwater research, he is interested to work with governments  and various development proponents to minimize the negative impacts of large  footprint projects like water reservoirs, mines, and mega farms on communities  and the physical environment.