Bachelor of Science and Commerce at the University of Auckland.
Starting a career with WM New Zealand means stepping into a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. Muriel Van Meel, a Supply Chain and Logistics Graduate, shares her experience navigating the fast-paced world of waste management and logistics as part of WM New Zealand’s Graduate Training Programme.
The alarm buzzes at 6:30 AM, and Muriel starts her morning with a nutritious overnight chia pudding, setting the tone for a productive day. “Breakfast is essential, and I always make sure to prep something healthy to keep me energised,” she says.
By 7:00 AM, she is out the door, making her way to WM New Zealand’s East Tamaki office. “I like going in early so I can try and beat the traffic in the afternoon,” she explains. The 20-minute commute offers a moment to mentally prepare for the work ahead.
Once at the office, Muriel eases into her workspace with a cup of green tea. “It’s my way of focusing and relaxing before diving into the day’s tasks.”
At 8:00 AM, the logistics team gathers for a morning briefing. These meetings are crucial in aligning the team’s efforts for the week ahead. “For our recycling mobilisation project, we work as a team. My colleague Jonny is assigning drivers to routes, while I focus on creating ‘Class 2 maps’—maps designed for our smaller trucks navigating one-way streets or narrow roads.”
By 11:00 AM, Muriel joins a recycling mobilisation meeting with the Auckland residential team. “We run through the project’s progress, highlight key action items, and ensure we are on track for launch day. Communication and teamwork are essential with massive projects like these, so when the start date arrives, we can hit the ground running.”
The programme has given me a real-world understanding of logistics and supply chain management while being part of a supportive and knowledgeable team. It’s been an invaluable experience.
Muriel Van Meel
Supply Chain and Logistics – Graduate at WM New Zealand
Lunch is a well-earned break, usually taken around 12:00 or 12:30 PM. “I bring my lunch to save money, but the Café HUB has great and affordable options if I decide to treat myself,” Muriel shares. Throughout the day, she takes short walking breaks to refresh and catch up with colleagues.
The afternoon is dedicated to focused project work, such as planning logistics routes, estimating travel times, and optimising operations. “At 2:30 PM, I typically work on route planning—evaluating morning blocks, travel estimates, tipping times, and setting expected finishing times.”
As the day wraps up around 4:00 PM, Muriel heads home, often accompanied by a podcast to make the commute more enjoyable. By 5:00 PM, she unwinds with a walk or a gym session, reflecting on the day and preparing for tomorrow.
WM New Zealand’s two-year Graduate Training Programme provides a structured pathway into the waste management industry. Graduates gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and are assigned mentors to guide their growth.
“The programme has given me a real-world understanding of logistics and supply chain management while being part of a supportive and knowledgeable team,” Muriel says. “It’s been an invaluable experience.”
If you’re ready to help build a positively resourceful Aotearoa and explore career opportunities at WM New Zealand, sign up with Prosple for job alerts and start your journey today.
The WM New Zealand Graduate Training Programme is designed to ease you into the professional world while providing invaluable experience and mentorship. Over two years, you’ll gain industry knowledge, build essential skills, and become part of a supportive team committed to making a difference.
