Southern Area Manager - Lichelle Guyan

Lichelle says taking up her role as Southern Area Manager at LINZ was a natural progression for her. LINZ offered an excellent opportunity to make good use of her experience in change and people leadership in the financial sector, as well as offering plenty of development opportunities.

The First 90 Days in Government

Her transition into LINZ and the public sector involved taking part in a customised coaching programme that LINZ offers to new managers called The First 90 Days in Government.

"The programme gives managers the opportunity to learn about LINZ,” Lichelle says. “We also learnt about our new roles and what is expected from us. I’ve found the programme invaluable.”

Working in the public sector

A career in the public sector appeals to Lichelle, because it gives her the opportunity to make decisions with the good of the New Zealand public in mind.

The Landonline system is something Lichelle is particularly proud to be involved with. "The electronic processing of survey and title transactions reduces the overall time and cost involved in settling property purchases," she says. "This benefits a range of players in the land property market; including surveyors, conveyancers, buyers and sellers."

Lichelle has continued to be impressed by the professionalism of the people who work at LINZ. She says their exceptionally professional response is a measure of staff commitment to the organisation.

Southern girl

While most of LINZ’s staff are based in Wellington, Lichelle sees no disadvantage in being in Christchurch. “I am a southern girl,” she stresses, having grown up in Oamaru and spent much of her working life in the south. She travels regularly to national office and the processing centres in Wellington and Dunedin, and plans her time carefully so she can maintain a balance with her family and sporting/social responsibilities.

“It’s been a great experience all round. I can’t fault my experience at LINZ.”