Ben holds a Bachelor of Environmental Planning, specialising in science and the environment. He brings a well-rounded approach to development planning, combining strong technical capabilities with a deep understanding of environmental policy, cultural values, and community engagement. His studies have equipped him with technical knowledge in hydrology, coastal oceanography, soil science, environmental monitoring, and ecology, alongside essential planning skills such as plan-making, policy development, and navigating resource consent processes.

 At the Infrastructure Department at New Plymouth District Council, Ben supported resource consent work for local waterways, carried out audits of the local waste and recycling facility, and gained practical experience in local government.

At Elemental he has worked on solar farm developments in Papua New Guinea, micro wind and spatial planning of energy resources.