- Qualification studied for: Professional Master of Geospatial Science and Technology (now Master of Geospatial Data Science)
- Tertiary institute: University of Canterbury
- Iwi affiliation: Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki
- Year 13 school subjects: Biology, Chemistry, English, Physics and Statistics.
- Secondary school: Onslow College
Why did you choose to study GIS?
I was initially hooked during a random Geology lab in the first year of my degree—being able to manipulate a three-dimensional scene was really neat to me. I’ve always been a bit of a nerd and love learning technical software, so GIS naturally appealed to me. But it was during course selection for my second year that I realised the true scale of GIS—the vast variety of ways it can be used to solve real-world problems. It wasn’t just a fun 3D modelling tool; it was a powerful analytical framework. The seemingly endless possibilities excited me enough to dedicate the majority of my following studies towards it. Plus, it kind of feels like a video game at times—like solving a puzzle.
How important is GIS for your future career options, and why?
GIS is the backbone of my career aspirations, enabling me to visualise and analyse spatial patterns that might not be apparent in raw data. This is crucial for understanding things like environmental change and meteorological processes—two of my key areas of interest. One of the things I appreciate most about GIS is its versatility; it can be applied in almost any industry, opening up a wide range of opportunities for me. Whether in environmental consulting, urban planning, or emergency management, GIS provides the tools to make data-driven decisions.
How has studying GIS shaped your career goals?
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what career path I wanted to pursue when I first started my initial Bachelor of Science. However, studying GIS helped me discover my passion for analysing spatial data and creating compelling maps. Over time, I’ve come to see it as an essential skill for my future work—one that I’m eager to continue developing. I look forward to applying my knowledge to real-world problems and making meaningful contributions through GIS.
What advice would you give to future students considering adding a GIS component to their studies?
Go for it! GIS might seem daunting at first, but it quickly becomes a rewarding skill. It introduces you to a wide range of analysis techniques and real-world applications while also allowing you to tap into your creative side, which can sometimes feel limited in science. No matter what branch of science you’re interested in, GIS is a versatile tool that is likely to open up exciting opportunities.
You applied successfully for a Toitū Te Whenua LINZ external tertiary GIS scholarship. What difference has this made to you and your GIS study courses?
I can’t thank LINZ/Toitū Te Whenua enough for their support. This scholarship has not only eased my financial burden—allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on my student loan—but has also been a huge source of motivation. It’s given me confidence, strengthened my CV, and put me in a position to hopefully inspire other young students to explore GIS.