Policy Graduate Program
Melini Navunisaravi - Immigration Policy | Labour, Science and Enterprise
MBIE is a great place to kickstart your career. I wanted to work in a hands-on, fulfilling environment that directly benefits the lives of New Zealanders. I’ve had the opportunity to intern through the Tupu Tai programme. This programme sparked my interest in policy making and shaping decisions.
My favourite part of the Graduate Programme is the built-in community MBIE offers. Learning and growing with the cohort has helped me develop as a professional. I’ve created long lasting connections that will be invaluable as I progress my career. I’ve developed invaluable connections that will support me as I grow my career.
The programme has allowed me to bring my authentic self and unique perspective to the table. I'm excited to continue my journey here and apply my thinking, curiosity and skills.
Cassandra Liu | Immigration (Border and Funding) Policy | Labour, Science and Enterprise
The graduate programme allows me to build a strong foundation in policy. As a graduate you are encouraged to be curious, ask questions and give things a go.
I moved to Wellington for the graduate programme and didn’t know anyone. Joining the public service with a built-in community of other graduates made all the difference. Starting my career in policy and government was daunting, but having others to grow alongside and learn from gave me comfort and strength. My graduate cohort are spread across so many different areas. It’s given me the chance to learn more about the diverse work MBIE does to Grow Aotearoa for All. We all get up to some interesting work!
I’ve been involved in examining the areas impacted by Immigration, including its demand on infrastructure, Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and connecting immigration with workforce training and development. It’s been an eye-opening project, I've gotten to see the policy process in action, while learning how the immigration system operates.
Patrice Le Sueur - Workplace Relations and Safety Policy | Labour, Science and Enterprise
While on the job hunt I was on the search for a workplace where I’d be encouraged to be creative and ask big ‘why’ questions every day. MBIE turned out to be the place for me.
My team focuses on New Zealand’s employment relations regulatory system. This was an area of law and policy I was really interested in at university. It’s been a real privilege to see some of my ideas and analysis go all the way to decision makers in the Beehive. So far, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, from advising a Select Committee on a Bill, helping to design new regulatory activities, and even taking a lead role in a meeting with a visiting overseas delegation.
Beyond the day-to-day work I’ve found the grad cohort immensely supportive and fun to be around. I look forward to honing my policy skills with them for the remainder of the programme.
Elizabeth Zhu - Strategic Policy | Te Waka Pūtahitanga
MBIE is one of the largest government economic agencies, so was a great place to start my career. I could use my background in economics and policy to provide evidence-based policy advice.
My experience in this mahi has helped develop my organisational network, policy skills and knowledge. It's also helped me realise my vision to improve the wellbeing for all of Aotearoa New Zealand.
I am grateful to have embarked on the graduate journey at MBIE alongside my cohort. We come from different backgrounds, but we embraced our diversity. MBIE provides a safe and inclusive environment to collaborate and respect the experiences of others. The graduate programme has provided a wide range of training to equip young policy professionals like me with a full basket of critical skills and knowledge. I am excited to continue my policy career journey by applying what I have learned in my work and the graduate programme at MBIE.
Maria Mahoni | Building, Resources and Markets
Through my mahi in the building policy team, I’ve expanded on my skills through research and analysis – I’ve even provided advice to Ministers! I’m also part of MBIE’s Women of Colour Network’s leadership team, a network at MBIE that allows me to lead inclusively and authentically.
As a member of the 2022 Policy Graduate Programme cohort, I was involved in the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill where I helped prepare material for the Committee. I also worked on the Occupational Regulation reforms in the building and construction sector, all exciting mahi that will help protect the lives of New Zealanders.
I’m grateful to have embarked on the graduate journey at MBIE alongside my cohort. We came from different backgrounds, but we shared our lived experiences and learnt from each other.
Oliver Taylor - Market Performance | Building, Resources and Markets
MBIE offers diverse opportunities for new policy professionals to explore. MBIE has given me the chance to work on a range of important policy areas – more than anywhere else in Aotearoa’s Public Service.
As a valued member of the team, I’ve delved into diverse sectors, including grocery and banking, and worked on competition study options where markets for goods and services may be experiencing competition issues that affect consumers. The regulatory focus of my work adds an exciting dimension to the mahi.
The best part of the programme is not just the breadth of policy areas but the support from the graduate cohort – a supportive community that has enhanced my learning journey so far. This collaborative environment has been the foundation to my positive experiences, moving me forward in a promising policy career to make a difference.
| Title | Job Type |
Job Category 
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Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Policy Team Leader Building Performance and Resilience
Fixed term - Full time
Management
Wellington, NZ, 6011
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