Megan Couture

"I had no idea of where, or who, I wanted to be when I was in high school. I chose to get into planning for a number of reasons; I wanted to make a difference in people's lives, and in the places they live, work and play. Secondly, planning challenges me on a daily basis. What I do on a day-to-day basis can change so quickly! Currently I am working on a project where I liaise closely with members of our water and waste team, however I regularly communicate with other members of our team – transportation planners and engineers, environmental specialists and other technical specialists.

"My qualifications gave me the foundation that I needed to understand the concepts and legislation that I deal with on a daily basis, as well as a theoretical understanding of what it means to be a planner in New Zealand. I would recommend to those interested in studying planning to attend a public or university lecture. This can give you some insight as to what is required, and the courses you might want to consider at high school level.

"I love my job. I love that I am challenged, and on a daily basis I am introduced to concepts that I have never heard of. I love that I have had the opportunity to travel (to Australia and Panama) and experience new cultures and ways of living. I also work alongside some of the best planners in the country, and get to pick their brains daily."