Kia ora koutou and Namaskar,
I was born in a multicultural country – India. I migrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 2000s, but I have remained deeply connected to my roots. Travelling, within the country and across the globe, has allowed me to better understand myself in relation to the world at large. So, I feel like a global citizen with roots in India and connections everywhere.
Tell us about your graduate placement and your host agency.
I have been placed with Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission where I have been working across Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion Team and the Equal Pay Taskforce.
Is there a career goal you are working towards?
My placement has given me numerous opportunities to reflect on what I want my career goal to be. At this stage, regardless of the role I take on, I want to be in a position where I can continue to place people and communities at the centre of my mahi. I want to constructively use my energy, knowledge, and experience to support and empower those most vulnerable in our community.
Why do you think it is important to have a diverse public service?
Diversity in the public service is important for various reasons: visibility and representation, diverse perspectives, and nuanced thinking are some of the benefits. It is important to realise that diversity and inclusion must work in tandem to create equitable outcomes for all. On paper, this looks great, but the challenge is to apply this in practice. Hence, I truly believe magic can happen if we set aside our perceived differences, recognise each other’s talents and abilities, and meaningfully collaborate and contribute to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable public service.
What advice do you give to graduates considering a career in the public service?
I came into the public service with no former connections in this space. I presume this may be a condition for some Public Service aspirants in which case my advice would be to equip yourself with a mentor who not only knows you and believes in your potential but also will stand by you throughout your journey. Having an experienced and seasoned professional build your morale and guide you to create value out of complex situations will be beneficial for your growth and development.