Connect locally with a Network of Passionate Individuals.
From Campus to Contaminated Sites brings together four environmental professionals from consulting, geotechnical engineering, environmental regulation, and commercial laboratory testing to share the real stories behind their careers. In a series of fast-paced, five-minute presentations, each speaker will take you through their journey from university student to environmental professional, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and unexpected turns that shaped their career path.
Whether you’re studying environmental science, geology, engineering, chemistry, planning, or a related field, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from people working across different parts of the contaminated land sector. Rather than focusing on technical presentations, the speakers will share practical insights into how they chose their career direction, what skills and experiences helped them succeed, and what they wish they had known when they were at university.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of the diverse career pathways available within the environmental industry and how different disciplines work together to protect human health and the environment. You’ll learn how consultants investigate and manage contaminated land, how geotechnical engineers support safe and sustainable development, how regulators oversee environmental protection, and how laboratory scientists generate the analytical data that underpins environmental decision-making.
This event is designed to inspire, inform, and help students make connections between their studies and future career opportunities. It also provides a chance to hear firsthand how different professionals have navigated the transition from university to industry, and the many career pathways available within the environmental sector.
Following the presentations, there will be dedicated time for questions and networking, giving attendees the opportunity to speak directly with the presenters, seek career advice, explore potential areas of interest, and build valuable industry connections.
No specific legislation will be covered, as the focus is on careers, industry pathways, and the people behind the roles. If you’re curious about where your degree could take you, this session will show how a passion for science, engineering, and the environment can lead to a rewarding, diverse, and impactful career.
Real people. Real career paths. Real impact. Join us and discover where your journey could begin.
Graham is a Senior Client Service Manager for Key Accounts and has been with Hill Labs for over 30 years. He has a comprehensive understanding of many laboratory techniques utilised in both the contaminated land and the wider environmental industry. Graham is a current member of the WasteMINZ Contaminated Land Management Steering Committee, and was Chair of the Coal Tar in Roading working group, which authored the Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Coal Tar Contamination in Roading, released in late 2023.
Zoe is a Certified Environmental Practitioner and Service Leader in Contaminated Land at Pattle Delamore Partners, based in Hamilton. She holds a BSc (First Class Honours) in Geography and Chemistry from the University of Auckland and has a unique background spanning contaminated land, regulatory compliance and operational drinking water treatment. Zoe has a particular interest in drinking water source protection, including source water risk management and understanding the interface between contaminated land, groundwater and surface water.
Anita Lewis is a Scientist in the Contaminated Land team at Waikato Regional Council. She holds a Master of Science and has worked across a range of environmental disciplines throughout her career. Anita began as a microplastics scientist, undertaking research in a variety of environmental settings, and has also worked as a consultant in the circular economy and waste sector, helping organisations improve resource efficiency and sustainable waste management practices.
Her previous work includes microplastic studies for Tauranga City Council's wastewater treatment plants, investigations of New Zealand wool scour facilities, and microplastic studies in sediment and bivalves along the eastern Bay of Plenty coastline.
In her current role, Anita works with landowners, consultants, developers, and councils to assess and manage contaminated land issues across the Waikato region, providing technical advice on investigations, resource consents, and environmental regulation. She is passionate about environmental science and promoting the diverse career opportunities available in the sector.
Yankai is a Geotechnical Engineer based in the Hamilton office of T+T. He graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours from the University of Waikato in 2023. His experience includes site investigations, geotechnical assessments, construction supervision, and Management, Surveillance and Quality Assurance (MSQA). Yankai has also developed expertise in environmental and compliance sampling, data analysis, and technical reporting through his work in the environmental management and contaminated land sectors, including on major projects.
University of Waikato
Location: J.1.01 Hillcrest Road
Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216
ALGA Member $35.00
Non-Member $70.00
Welcome Branch $20.00
Student $ Free
1 CPD Point
