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Treasury Analyst University Lecturer Member of the New Zealand Parliament Thai Diplomat Guardian Editor Oxfam Advocacy Director Member of the New Zealand Parliament

Harshan Kumarasingham

Analyst, The Treasury

I meandered into Political Science not really knowing what I was getting into, but soon realised that was the whole point.  Once I started I wanted to know more, much more, which meant doing a wide variety of courses (and degrees) covering topics from Demosthenes to Dalits from Ecologism to Elizabeth II.  Politics gave me a thirst for research, perspective and questioning, which made it almost automatic to pursue post-graduate study.  I completed a PhD in comparative politics, which allowed me to satisfy my thirst for the above in Australia, India, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom through fellowships and scholarships.  Political Science along with History gave me the skills and allowed me to appreciate so many wide areas of analysis that are applicable in every possible field.  That’s the benefit of a Political Science degree – you can use your skills anywhere – even at The Treasury where I work, using the analytical skills and different thinking gained from studying Political Science, a discipline which is highly respected for bringing those talents to the table.  I like to keep involved by writing academic articles and as a Fellow at the School of Government – in fact you never really leave politics since no matter what career you pursue it is always relevant.

Janine Hayward

Senior Lecturer, University of Otago

I studied honours in Political Science at Victoria University in the early 1990s, and continued on to a PhD which I completed in 1995. My particular interest is in New Zealand politics - specifically Treaty of Waitangi issues. Just as I submitted my PhD I accepted a job with the Waitangi Tribunal. After working at the Tribunal for two years I took up a position in the Department of Politics at the University of Otago, teaching and researching aspects of New Zealand and comparative politics. I am currently a senior lecturer. When I was looking for my first job, near the end of my PhD, I recall my supervisor telling me that the skills I had acquired in the study of politics would transfer into a wide range of careers. I didn't appreciate at the time how important that was in shaping the options I had and the choices I made. With hindsight, I can see how true and important her advice was; a degree in Politics opens up a world of possibilities.

Darren Hughes

Member of Parliament

Darren Hughes is MP for Otaki.

Darren graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a BA in public policy and social policy – and lots of politics papers! He was also a member of the Students Association Executive while at university.

Darren was first elected to Parliament at the age of 24 in 2002 and re-elected in 2005. Throughout this time he has been New Zealand’s youngest Member of Parliament.

In November 2007 Darren was appointed Minister of Statistics, Deputy Leader of the House and Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment.

Tirta Charoenbhol

Government Official,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Thailand

As a Royal Thai Government Scholarship recipient, I attended Victoria from 1996-2000.  I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Politics in 1997, a BA Honours in International Relations in 1998, and finally a Master of Arts in International Relations in 2000.

Following my memorable experiences at Victoria, I went on to pursue my PhD at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and graduated in 2006.  My thesis was entitled “The People’s Constitution: Institutional and Political Change in Thailand, 1997-2005.” During my studies in London, I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to be part of the BBC World Service, broadcasting news to Thai audiences.

After completing my PhD, I returned to Thailand where I currently serve the Royal Thai Government at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  My career path is now with the Thai diplomatic service.

Toby Manhire

'Op-Ed' & 'Comment is Free' blog Editor, Guardian

Graduated from Vic in 1996 with BA Hons in politics (with theatre and film). Went on to edit Salient, and tutor in both the politics and theatre-and-film departments. Subsequently worked on City Voice (RIP) and freelance theatre and journalism. Has been working in the United Kingdom since 2000, mostly at Guardian. Currently editor on the comment (op-ed) pages and associate editor on the Comment Is Free blog.

Mary Wareham

Advocacy Director, Oxfam

I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History at Victoria University in 1993, then went on to complete an Honours and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science at VUW.

My first job was as a researcher in parliament during the transition to the MMP electoral system. Then in 1996, based on my Masters thesis, I took up a job offer in Washington, DC working on the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Less than 2 years later the campaign and my then-boss, Jody Williams, won the Nobel Peace Prize.

I went on to work at Human Rights Watch, where I established and led the campaign's Landmine Monitor verification wing. In 2004, I completed a feature-length documentary film on landmines entitled Disarm.

I returned to New Zealand in 2006 to become Advocacy Director for Oxfam. It is good to be back in touch with VUW's Pols Department. The staff have always been very supportive.

Simon Power

Member of Parliament

I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Politics at Victoria University in 1993. After working as a lawyer, I won the seat of Rangitikei in 1999 by 289 votes, in 2002 by 5315 and in 2005 by 9660 votes.

Studying politics under Prof. Margaret Clark and Dr Rod Alley inspired me to do what I am doing today. To this day, I still wish I had done some post-graduate work in Politics.

I can thoroughly recommend studying Politics at Victoria University.

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