Jackie St John, New Zealand Legal Manager
Nearing her eighth year at OceanaGold, Jackie St John is reflecting on her time with the Company, and the changes to the political landscape and across the mining industry.
Newly promoted to the role of New Zealand Manager – Legal, Jackie says the collective, global brains trust across OceanaGold’s corporate and operational teams has inspired her to become a better and more strategic leader through some dynamic times for the sector.
“Environmental and local government law and policy changes have been tricky to navigate – but it’s certainly kept things interesting,” Jackie said.
“The policy direction on mining regulation in New Zealand is evolving and more than ever, we are future-focused, so it’s an exciting space to be in.”
This is Jackie’s second promotion since she joined OceanaGold.
“It’s a strategic role and there’s a stronger opportunity to influence and guide decision making. It’s forward looking and it’s both pleasing and challenging to provide advice that best places the business into the future.”
Jackie says the culture and camaraderie at OceanaGold is awesome, and despite the operational diversity at each of the Company’s mines, the global teams are united in vision, values and success ingredients that bond them together.
“At OceanaGold, we are given opportunities to think like a business owner and when you are trusted to make decisions and provide strategic input, there’s a real sense of ownership and belonging,” she said.
“Benefits of my new role include a long-term incentive plan including company shares, which is pretty cool and something I’ve never been offered to date in my career.”
Outside her day job, Jackie has volunteered with the Rotary Club of Dunedin for nearly 20 years, and for 10 of those, she has also supported disaster relief charity ShelterBox, which helps displaced communities after natural disasters.
She said OceanaGold allows her the time and space to contribute to these community service interests.
“The skills I have gained from these voluntary organisations directly impacts and benefits the Company and vice versa.
“For me, that’s the true meaning of work-life balance – it’s not just about the flexibility of working from home, it’s about complementing your career and life interests for shared beneficial outcomes.”
Outside of family, climate change and community are two important things to Jackie.
“Aligning my personal values to my work gives me purpose.
“There is a common misconception that miners are polluters not protectors, which is incredibly disappointing. We know there are benefits from mining that otherwise wouldn’t occur – ecological, economic and community to name a few.
“Responsible mining is not just a phrase – it’s embedded into law, and at OceanaGold, our systems, processes and culture too.
“Government departments often aren’t resourced to do what we do in this space – we employ experts, we are focused on climate change and we are legislated and values-driven to close mines in a socially and environmentally responsible way. Contributing to the Company’s Responsible Mining ethic through my role matters to me.”
Come grow with us at OceanaGold. To find out more visit https://oceanagold.com/
