In this member spotlight, we talk to Graham Aveyard - a long-time WasteMINZ member who has recently started his own consultancy.
"I see WasteMINZ has a unique role in New Zealand for supporting members interests through collaboration, education, advice and advocacy to improve the delivery of high-quality science, in the areas of sustainable waste and contaminated land management, improving outcomes for members of the community."
Previously the Team Leader and Principal Contaminated Land Regulator for Auckland Council and Environment Canterbury for 10 years, within an environmental protection career spanning 30 years. Prior to leaving the UK in 2015, I held roles specialising in regulation of noise, contaminated land and air quality management and have a particular interest in protection of human health. Having returned to New Zealand after two years with grandchildren in the UK, I have started my own consultancy Gaia Environmental in Christchurch.
Why did you want to join WasteMINZ?
I have been a member of WasteMINZ for ten years through my previous employers’ corporate memberships. I see WasteMINZ has a unique role in New Zealand for supporting members interests through collaboration, education, advice and advocacy to improve the delivery of high-quality science, in the areas of sustainable waste and contaminated land management, improving outcomes for members of the community.
What topic/issue are you most passionate about when it comes to waste,resource recovery or contaminated land?
As a qualified Environmental Health Officer from the UK, my first underpinning principal of my career is the protection of human health from all forms of environmental threat – a public health consultant friend once told me that he felt the environment contributed more than we currently appreciate to general population heath. The second fundamental belief is that high quality communication is essential to properly convey these threats and risks to the community in language and terms that they can understand.
What are you reading or listening to right now?
I am never far from listening to some 1970’s Genesis and other music generally found on ‘The Sounds’ and my latest ‘good read’ is The History of England condensed into one paperback. Ideal for filling gaps in historical knowledge in a speed-reading format.
Other than the NES Users Guide, my other favourite reads are books on cricket (no surprises there), particularly the Biography of SF Barnes (played 1895-1940), and climbing books especially ‘Touching the Void’ by Joe Simpson.
Describe your perfect day outside of work
As a confirmed cricket tragic it may come as no surprise to those that know me my ‘go to’ perfect day would include some form of day out at the cricket, either to an international game at Hagley Park or going to watch my son playing in the Canterbury Country Premier Grade. Perhaps these would only be topped by playing a Sunday social game with my son at ‘The Valley of Peace CC' with perhaps a glass of Pinot Noir.
