Caroline Cech
Wellington
Summary
Graduate member of NZPI with three years of experience in regional, resource management, and policy planning across private consultancy and local government. Skilled in preparing and processing resource consents, drafting AEEs, and interpreting regional and district plans. Adept in GIS analysis, stakeholder engagement, and climate adaptation planning. Known for a proactive, collaborative approach and a strong foundation in both strategic and technical planning practice.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Planning Project Consultant
SLR Consulting New Zealand Ltd
08.2024 - Current
- Prepared and processed non-notified resource consent applications for local councils including Dunedin City Council and Waitaki District Council.
- Drafted Assessment of Environment Effects (AEE) reports and planning assessments aligned with district and regional plans.
- Supported public engagement and consultation activities for infrastructure and adaptation projects.
- Completed over 250 preliminary planning checks and maps for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery works in Gisborne District.
- Lead consent preparation for a variety of complex projects including multi-unit residential developments, contaminated land remediation, and three waters systems.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver strategic and sustainable planning outcomes.
Graduate Planner, Undergraduate Planner
WSP Consulting New Zealand Ltd
02.2023 - 08.2024
- Provided input and technical support of planning projects including the preparation and processing of resource consents, assessment of environmental effects, policy planning, and public engagement.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant legislation and plans including the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act, and various district and regional plans.
- Interpreted technical drawings and specialist reports to prepare planning and resource management applications for clients.
- Worked on various local projects including the South Dunedin Future programme as well as nationally significant projects such as the Wanaka Network Optimisation Strategy and 3 Waters renewals.
Consents Support Officer
Otago Regional Council
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Maintained and updated the Council’s databases for entering and processing resource consents, building permits and bylaw permits.
- Lead the intensive winter grazing mapping project using utilising resource consent applications and GIS systems for internal and external access.
- Assisted with public inquiries, resource consent processing, and decision making.
Legal Intern
The Outdoor Circle
09.2020 - 02.2021
- Conducted research on how to improve the legal protection of trees in Hawai‘i including their economic benefits, national and state tree protection, and climate change implications.
- Presented research findings to the board of directors to determine how to incorporate my research findings into their nonprofit mission.
Education
Master's Degree - Planning
University of Otago
Dunedin, New Zealand05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resources And Environmental Management
University of Hawai‘i At Manoa
Honolulu, USA05.2017
Skills
- Environmental Impact Assessments
- Resource consent processing
- Data analysis and GIS
- Project management
- Spatial mapping
- Climate adaptation planning
- Stakeholder engagement and consultation
Accomplishments
Planning for Climate Change Adaptation in Rural New Zealand: A Case Study of Fox Glacier - Masters Research Thesis (Dunedin, New Zealand, 2023)
This thesis examines climate change adaptation in the rural community of Fox Glacier, New Zealand. It explores the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of adaptation, advocating for community-driven proactive strategies to address climate risks. It highlights barriers such as financial shortfalls and communication gaps while stressing the importance of long-term adaptation strategies for rural resilience.
A Comparative Analysis Between the United Stated and New Zealand Climate Change Policy - Undergraduate Honours Thesis (Honolulu, USA, 2021)
A study comparing environmental performance in the United States and New Zealand to conclude where each country is most efficiently addressing climate change. This was done through a binomial scoring system and linear regressions and analysis to determine emission trends over time in relation to environmental policies.
Timeline
Planning Project Consultant
SLR Consulting New Zealand Ltd
08.2024 - Current
Graduate Planner, Undergraduate Planner
WSP Consulting New Zealand Ltd
02.2023 - 08.2024
Consents Support Officer
Otago Regional Council
11.2022 - 02.2023
Legal Intern
The Outdoor Circle
09.2020 - 02.2021
Master's Degree - Planning
University of Otago
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resources And Environmental Management
University of Hawai‘i At Manoa
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