Josh Brooks – GIS/Survey Adviser in Bougainville

Prior to working with VSA, Josh was living in Wellington and employed by Wellington City Council as a GIS (geographic information systems) Officer.

What Josh is doing in Bougainville

Josh is working as a GIS/Survey Adviser with the Department of Lands and Physical Planning. He is providing advice and training to department staff (around 10 in total) in using GPS (global positioning system) and IT.

 GPS is currently not used that much in Bougainville but Josh is looking at the ways it can be applied as well as helping to train staff in its use.  Some specific examples include: creating maps of the Carteret Islands showing resources, housing and garden sites; mapping the location of cocoa driers to try to help the cocoa industry as it starts up; and providing skippers travelling to the atolls with a GPS for safety purposes.

Making a positive impact

Josh helped to print and bind 250 copies of the information pack that went out to all delegates of the recent Land Summit. This was the first summit of its kind in Bougainville with people attending from all over the region. The pack outlined much of the law relating to land ownership in Bougainville, explaining otherwise hard to understand technical terms. Josh is sure the packs will be a real benefit to those who received them and despite many setbacks was glad they were available in time for the summit.

Josh’s highlights so far

“I love working with and meeting people from all sorts of other departments and community groups throughout Bougainville.”

What Bougainville has taught Josh

“The beaches are excellent; fresh fish and nice organic food; friendliness of the people who live here. “

“Plans never go to plan.”

“Bring lots of spare parts and tools.”

“A waterproof camera is a great idea.”