Mel Schauer

Mel Schauer has a diverse and extensive work experience. They started their career in 1999 as an Assistant Reserves and Facilities Officer at Tauranga City Council, where they managed community reserves and facilities and led restoration projects. They then worked as a Traveller from 2001 to 2003. In 2004, Mel joined Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust as a Facilitator and Project Manager, where they designed and led engagement activities to promote change.

In 2010, Mel became a Zone Facilitator at Canterbury Regional Council, responsible for facilitating and managing zone projects. From 2012 to 2017, Mel worked as a Director and Facilitator at Face2Face Facilitation, utilizing their facilitation skills in diverse projects. In 2014, Mel worked with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua in developing the Waitaki Iwi Management Plan and strengthening relationships with strategic partners.

Mel joined Environment Canterbury in 2006, holding various roles including Facilitator Support for the Upper Waitaki Zone Committee and Facilitator for land and water. During this time, they created public engagement processes for the establishment of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and supported Runaka involvement in land and water management.

Most recently, Mel worked as a Community Engagement Manager at Meridian Energy, focusing on the Waitaki, Manapōuri, and White Hill areas. The precise end dates for some of these roles are unknown.

Mel Schauer obtained a Bachelor of Parks Recreation and Tourism Management from Lincoln University (NZ) from 1996 to 1999. Then, from 2007 to 2013, they pursued a Diploma of Facilitation from Zenergy Global. Additionally, Mel has obtained several certifications and completed courses, including Technology of Participation - Group Facilitation Methods from the Institute of Cultural Affairs International in March 2021, Sentis Safety Training from Sentis in August 2019, IAP2 Engagement Design and IAP2 Engagement Essentials from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia in October 2018, Sentis - Safety Culture Training from Sentis in June 2018, and Accredited Mediator from LEADR - Association of Dispute Resolvers in June 2014. Mel also has a Certificate in Business Ownership from Aoraki Polytechnic, but the specific completion date is not provided. They have also completed a LEADR 5-day mediation course, earning a certificate of completion, but exact dates are not provided for this as well.