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Brent, Manager Water and Wastes

BRENT, MANAGER WATER AND WASTES

As good as anywhere but better than most!

Brent describes working for the Council as good as anywhere but a better place than most when you factor in everything Taranaki has to offer. And he's one man that makes the most of what's on offer.

Watch Brent's video about life in New Plymouth and work at the Council on YouTube.

Describe your job.

I manage the team that looks after the water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater and refuse collection.

What’s your background?

I studied civil engineering at Taranaki Polytech (now known as WITT) gaining a NZCE. I then did my first stint at New Plymouth District Council, liked it and discovered I wanted to extend myself a bit more so I completed an engineering degree at the University of Canterbury. Before moving back to Taranaki I worked at Waimakariri District Council, gained some valuable private sector experience in a consultancy and had a year overseas with the United Nations representing the New Zealand Army.

My entry back to New Plymouth District Council was via some work with APEX, a Council contractor, which led to some project work with the Water and Wastes team, then a team leader projects role came up and finally my current role as Manager Water and Wastes.

What skills and qualifications do you have?

An engineering degree or appropriate science degree would be considered essential these days. Key attributes at this level are people, communication, motivational and diplomacy skills. Behind all that you have to have a scientific/engineering mind and a head for figures.

What opportunity is there for progression in your role?

I am happy with my role and the path I’ve taken to get here. Career opportunities are boundless in the engineering sector. Someone in my position could develop into a specialist area or go to a smaller consultancy and be a jack of all trades or of course stay in local government.Return to top

What do you like most about your job?

I like the people and I like the responsibility - it is a motivating factor. It is the satisfaction of seeing your team achieve things and my staff gain satisfaction out of their roles. I also like the fact that you have the ability to influence others and have a positive influence on what goes on in the community.

I feel like we have the opportunity to improve the assets we manage for the community – which is a big responsibility and something I’m proud of.

What do you like most about working in local government?

It is a very supportive environment to work in – there’s not many other industries that can call on peers from one of 73 councils throughout New Zealand. One thing that is nice about working in local authorities is you soon learn how you measure up against other councils and it is nice to be regarded as leaders in our field. It is not uncommon to have peers ring us up and want to learn from our experience.

What do you like about working for NPDC?

The Council has been very supportive allowing me time to undergo my army progression. I’ve had a parallel career in the army progressing from an officer cadet to a major over the 21 years I have served in the Territorial’s (now called Reserves).

I always say New Plymouth District Council is as good as anywhere but a better place than most when you add in all the extramural activities available.

What makes NPDC a good employer?

The fact that they are so supportive, particularly in the areas of training and development. The Council is prepared to give people opportunities. I came as a junior manager and was given the opportunity to learn on the job. I certainly wasn’t familiar with the scale of operation and budgets involved at first. I liked the challenge and appreciated the Council’s faith in me to do the job.

I also like the networks you can be involved in here. Over the years I’ve been involved in everything from indoor netball through to rogaining and the Hillary Challenge. It’s both easy to be involved and easy to set up networks yourself.

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