Bevan Lill knew he wanted to study Ecology when he came to Otago, so he took a paper in Geography as part of his first year requirements….. and was hooked.
“I found myself more drawn to the physical science of the geography, the big picture stuff.”
“The Big Picture” is a phrase that crops up often in conversation with Bevan, and it's typified by his Masters thesis topic: Bevan looked at the Impact climate change would have on run-off from South Island Alpine Catchments. He completed his MSc in Geography in 2004, and is now working in Alexandra for DTZ New Zealand Limited, an international property advisory company.
“I think the thing I particularly enjoyed about studying Geography was the way they taught us knowledge, and also the skills to make use of that knowledge. It's not a big department, so it's very personable. They have a genuine desire to develop and encourage their students.”
Bevan is finding the skills he acquired vital in his work. He's part of a team currently working for the Crown on tenure review. This involves consulting with high country pastoral leaseholders under the framework of the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 to develop mutually agreeable proposals that result in some land becoming freehold and some land being retained by the Crown as conservation area. Bevan also consults with the Department of Conservation, Fish and Game Council, local iwi, NGOs, and the general public within the tenure review process.
“Having a broad understanding of the physical environment, and the human impact on that environment is essential. But also my degree taught me communication skills and how to work with people. I had to do presentations at conferences and I also worked as a tutor, did a bit of demonstrating in my senior years, and that gave me confidence, which has been really important. A lot of people look at me and think I'm quite young, what do I know? So the confidence and skills I learnt stand me in good stead.”
Bevan is thoroughly enjoying his work, but perhaps in the future there's some further study, maybe some overseas travel. And eventually? “I think I'd like to get into environmental policy development … the big picture stuff.”