From left: Shannen Barns, Helen Troy, Sarah Fagan and Kate Oranje.
Shannen Barns
Master of Environmental Policy and Management, Lincoln University
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
I was interested in the area of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as I have been looking at the impact of human activities on the environment first-hand through studies. I saw the conference as a great opportunity to learn about impact assessment not just in an environmental context, but in a social, cultural and strategic context as well (as they are all interconnected!) I was excited at the potential to learn about the ways that different impact assessment methods help to improve policy and planning processes, and the ongoing research in this space. I hoped to take the learnings from the conference back to my own studies, and apply a wider lens of impact assessment to future projects I'm involved in.
I also enjoy expanding my networks and I wanted to meet other professionals and postgraduate students with similar interests and passions. Not only would this be a great opportunity to meet these people, but it would give me a better insight into the positions, disciplines, or sectors I might end up in some day.
Did the Conference meet your expectations?
Very much so! The conference was well-organised, the speakers were knowledgeable and engaging, and I was able to learn a lot and make valuable connections. The programme flowed really well and although there was a wide variety of speakers from different industries, the central theme of wellbeing and integrated policy-making was consistent throughout. These topics affect many people's lives and work, and each of the speakers conveyed this extremely really well. Overall, I was very impressed with the entire experience and I will definitely be attending the NZAIA conferences in future years!
Who were your favourite speakers and why?
I really enjoyed Brownwyn Hayward's presentation on climate resilient development and how it is an inclusive approach to wellbeing and sustainability. Climate resilient development is evidently important, as climate-change is impacting human wellbeing no matter who you are or where you live. More importantly, climate-change disportionately impacts those on lower incomes and in highly populated cities. The presentation really put into perspective how we need to not only channel our resources into green/social infrastructure and protecting our ecosystems, but also ensure we have the political commitment and inclusive governance structure to do so.
I also enjoyed Trust Tairāwhiti's presentation on the wellbeing data they use to measure impact in their community. Not only do they fund impactful projects in their region, they go the extra mile to see if these projects are making a difference to the wellbeing of their communities. The way they presented their impact indicators was very clear and engaging and they had very refreshing views on how to measure their return on investment. If similar organisations adopt this holistic approach, it will really improve the way we assess and measure the wellbeing of our communities!
Did anything surprise you?
I was very surprised at how many ways there are to measure wellbeing outside of gross domestic product (GDP). As a society, we have historically been so focused on GDP as a way to measure how productive and therefore 'how well' our communities are doing, when really community wellbeing is much more complex than that. Many other environmental, social and cultural factors need to be considered when assessing wellbeing, and accounting for these factors at the policy level can be challenging, but all of the speakers are doing amazing work in this space!
Would you recommend an NZAIA Conference to other students?
Absolutely! It was such a rewarding experience and I made some really key connections in the industry. I went in with an open mind having only ever studied in the area of Environmental Impact Assessment, but I have come away with a newfound interest in social and cultural impact assessment that I will take back to my studies and beyond. I would recommend an NZAIA Conference to students at any level or professionals at any stage of their career, as there will always be something new to learn and new connections to be made!
I was interested in the area of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), as I have been looking at the impact of human activities on the environment first-hand through studies. I saw the conference as a great opportunity to learn about impact assessment not just in an environmental context, but in a social, cultural and strategic context as well (as they are all interconnected!) I was excited at the potential to learn about the ways that different impact assessment methods help to improve policy and planning processes, and the ongoing research in this space. I hoped to take the learnings from the conference back to my own studies, and apply a wider lens of impact assessment to future projects I'm involved in.
I also enjoy expanding my networks and I wanted to meet other professionals and postgraduate students with similar interests and passions. Not only would this be a great opportunity to meet these people, but it would give me a better insight into the positions, disciplines, or sectors I might end up in some day.
Did the Conference meet your expectations?
Very much so! The conference was well-organised, the speakers were knowledgeable and engaging, and I was able to learn a lot and make valuable connections. The programme flowed really well and although there was a wide variety of speakers from different industries, the central theme of wellbeing and integrated policy-making was consistent throughout. These topics affect many people's lives and work, and each of the speakers conveyed this extremely really well. Overall, I was very impressed with the entire experience and I will definitely be attending the NZAIA conferences in future years!
Who were your favourite speakers and why?
I really enjoyed Brownwyn Hayward's presentation on climate resilient development and how it is an inclusive approach to wellbeing and sustainability. Climate resilient development is evidently important, as climate-change is impacting human wellbeing no matter who you are or where you live. More importantly, climate-change disportionately impacts those on lower incomes and in highly populated cities. The presentation really put into perspective how we need to not only channel our resources into green/social infrastructure and protecting our ecosystems, but also ensure we have the political commitment and inclusive governance structure to do so.
I also enjoyed Trust Tairāwhiti's presentation on the wellbeing data they use to measure impact in their community. Not only do they fund impactful projects in their region, they go the extra mile to see if these projects are making a difference to the wellbeing of their communities. The way they presented their impact indicators was very clear and engaging and they had very refreshing views on how to measure their return on investment. If similar organisations adopt this holistic approach, it will really improve the way we assess and measure the wellbeing of our communities!
Did anything surprise you?
I was very surprised at how many ways there are to measure wellbeing outside of gross domestic product (GDP). As a society, we have historically been so focused on GDP as a way to measure how productive and therefore 'how well' our communities are doing, when really community wellbeing is much more complex than that. Many other environmental, social and cultural factors need to be considered when assessing wellbeing, and accounting for these factors at the policy level can be challenging, but all of the speakers are doing amazing work in this space!
Would you recommend an NZAIA Conference to other students?
Absolutely! It was such a rewarding experience and I made some really key connections in the industry. I went in with an open mind having only ever studied in the area of Environmental Impact Assessment, but I have come away with a newfound interest in social and cultural impact assessment that I will take back to my studies and beyond. I would recommend an NZAIA Conference to students at any level or professionals at any stage of their career, as there will always be something new to learn and new connections to be made!
Helen Troy
Master of Applied Science - Environmental Management, Lincoln University
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
My initial interest in attending the conference was to hear Tim Ng’s presentation for Treasury regarding the Living Standards Framework. My master’s thesis examines the framework at a hyper-local level.
Did the Conference meet your expectations?
The conference exceeded my expectations. The delegates were incredibly modest and showed great interest in my research. More importantly, all the speakers delivered an important kōrero providing insight into their specialties and expertise and broadened my
understanding of amount of wellbeing efforts being carried out presently. The conference provided the opportunity to network and meet very interesting and knowledgeable people.
Who were your favourite speakers and why?
I particularly enjoyed listening to the key-note speakers for their expertise in their fields. But my overall favourites were Penny Hagen of Auckland Co-Design Lab for her systems-orientated approach to wellbeing and Stewart McKenzie of Porirua City Council for his extensive experience in Planning.
Did anything surprise you?
The synergy of the kōrero from each of the speakers. Community wellbeing approaches, community engagement, language, social
cohesion and the importance of connection to place were key themes in the presentations. As a postgraduate student I was humbled by the delegates’ interest in my research.
Would you recommend an NZAIA Conference to other students?
The NZAIA Conference presented an amazing opportunity to hear experts share their research and expertise. I would highly recommend students apply for this scholarship to not only broaden their knowledge of Impact Assessment but also benefit from meeting a humble and motivated group of people willing to share their kōrero.
My initial interest in attending the conference was to hear Tim Ng’s presentation for Treasury regarding the Living Standards Framework. My master’s thesis examines the framework at a hyper-local level.
Did the Conference meet your expectations?
The conference exceeded my expectations. The delegates were incredibly modest and showed great interest in my research. More importantly, all the speakers delivered an important kōrero providing insight into their specialties and expertise and broadened my
understanding of amount of wellbeing efforts being carried out presently. The conference provided the opportunity to network and meet very interesting and knowledgeable people.
Who were your favourite speakers and why?
I particularly enjoyed listening to the key-note speakers for their expertise in their fields. But my overall favourites were Penny Hagen of Auckland Co-Design Lab for her systems-orientated approach to wellbeing and Stewart McKenzie of Porirua City Council for his extensive experience in Planning.
Did anything surprise you?
The synergy of the kōrero from each of the speakers. Community wellbeing approaches, community engagement, language, social
cohesion and the importance of connection to place were key themes in the presentations. As a postgraduate student I was humbled by the delegates’ interest in my research.
Would you recommend an NZAIA Conference to other students?
The NZAIA Conference presented an amazing opportunity to hear experts share their research and expertise. I would highly recommend students apply for this scholarship to not only broaden their knowledge of Impact Assessment but also benefit from meeting a humble and motivated group of people willing to share their kōrero.
Sarah Fagan
Master of Resource and Environmental Planning, Massey University
Why did you apply for the scholarship?
Initially I was drawn to the conference themes as they are woven throughout my work and post-graduate studies (Wellbeing, Sustainability, and Impact assessment: towards more integrated policy making). The NZAIA scholarship provided an opportunity to be actively involved in the event, including working with other people with similar interests and goals in their own research and professional capacities.
Did the Conference meet your expectations?
The NZAIA conference was engaging, insightful, and exceeded my expectations! Attending the conference gave me a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges of using impact assessment frameworks in an Aotearoa New Zealand context. The speakers highlighted the interconnectedness between real and perceived economic, social, cultural, environmental and health implications when assessing policies, projects, programs, and plans. From this I further developed my understanding of the potential of strategic impact assessments when engaging in systems thinking as a way to address the challenges and opportunities our communities are facing and will face in the future.
Who were your favourite speakers and why?
All the speakers provoked thought and discussion in their own way. I was impressed by the wide range of disciplines and perspectives that were presented by the speakers who themselves came from diverse backgrounds, interests and organisations. This enabled cross-sectional analysis and discussions which was crucial in order to fully engage with the themes. Each speaker was passionate about their work towards equitable and sustainable development, and equitable outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. The keynote speakers (Bronwyn Hayward and Dr. Diana (Dee) Lewis) competently and insightfully set the scene for the wider discussions, and it was great to be able to absorb some of the knowledge and experience from current leaders in their field.
Did anything surprise you?
I was surprised and impressed by the number of partner and affiliate organisations NZAIA have globally. There are many exciting possibilities for students to connect between NZAIA and its affiliated organisations such as the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). These possibilities are essential considering the interplay between local, regional, and global challenges.
Would you recommend an NZAIA Conference to other students?
I highly value the learnings, connections, and friendships I made at the NZAIA conference and encourage future students and decision-makers to apply. E mihi ana ki a koutou katoa. Thank you to the NZAIA Core Group for the opportunity!
Initially I was drawn to the conference themes as they are woven throughout my work and post-graduate studies (Wellbeing, Sustainability, and Impact assessment: towards more integrated policy making). The NZAIA scholarship provided an opportunity to be actively involved in the event, including working with other people with similar interests and goals in their own research and professional capacities.
Did the Conference meet your expectations?
The NZAIA conference was engaging, insightful, and exceeded my expectations! Attending the conference gave me a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges of using impact assessment frameworks in an Aotearoa New Zealand context. The speakers highlighted the interconnectedness between real and perceived economic, social, cultural, environmental and health implications when assessing policies, projects, programs, and plans. From this I further developed my understanding of the potential of strategic impact assessments when engaging in systems thinking as a way to address the challenges and opportunities our communities are facing and will face in the future.
Who were your favourite speakers and why?
All the speakers provoked thought and discussion in their own way. I was impressed by the wide range of disciplines and perspectives that were presented by the speakers who themselves came from diverse backgrounds, interests and organisations. This enabled cross-sectional analysis and discussions which was crucial in order to fully engage with the themes. Each speaker was passionate about their work towards equitable and sustainable development, and equitable outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. The keynote speakers (Bronwyn Hayward and Dr. Diana (Dee) Lewis) competently and insightfully set the scene for the wider discussions, and it was great to be able to absorb some of the knowledge and experience from current leaders in their field.
Did anything surprise you?
I was surprised and impressed by the number of partner and affiliate organisations NZAIA have globally. There are many exciting possibilities for students to connect between NZAIA and its affiliated organisations such as the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ), and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). These possibilities are essential considering the interplay between local, regional, and global challenges.
Would you recommend an NZAIA Conference to other students?
I highly value the learnings, connections, and friendships I made at the NZAIA conference and encourage future students and decision-makers to apply. E mihi ana ki a koutou katoa. Thank you to the NZAIA Core Group for the opportunity!