Student Profiles

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Rachel Brookie

Rachel writes:

I am currently studying towards a BCA in Public Policy and Commercial Law and a BA in International Relations. I will also start the Honours programme in Public Policy in conjunction with finishing my other degrees in 2011.

I had taken German, Economics, History, Statistics and English in year 13 but did not know what to focus on at university. I took a whole range of papers in my first year and found that my interest in politics, history, economics, government and the environment were suited perfectly to a major in Public Policy.

Public Policy has allowed me to think about how the government and their decisions affect me. Not only have I become more interested in what the government decides but also in how they operate to effect these decisions. What I enjoy the most about Public Policy is its relevance to my life and current events. It focuses on how issues affect people and how policy can deliver change and positive outcomes. I have been able to take papers that focus on Environmental and Development Policy which has been a practical complement to my other majors and interests.

The expertise and approachability of the staff in the School of Government have made my study really enjoyable.

My advice to first-year students is to figure out what you enjoy, why you enjoy it and what motivates you. Doing what you enjoy makes university much easier!

Pooja Patel

Pooja Patel is currently working towards a BCA in Economics and Public Policy. She writes:

Public Policy has opened my eyes to the world of government, politics and economics. Not only have I learnt about how the government works and its role in policy making, I have also gained insights into how ordinary citizens can contribute to shaping the direction of policy. It has also been interesting to learn how different disciplines contribute to shaping the ideas behind policy, whether it be political science, developmental studies, economics or psychology.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all my courses in PUBL so far, particularly because they are all so relevant to the 'real world'. Continuously being able to apply what I've learnt when reading the newspaper or watching the news is stimulating as well as rewarding. Initially, I was keen on doing Public Policy as a major because I knew it would compliment my economics major. However, having completed my second year I am excited to gain a deeper understanding of the subject and am considering doing honours.

Studying Public Policy has made me believe that I can make a difference. With inspiring lecturers and stimulating courses, you can't go wrong with this subject! I highly recommend this major for students who like to express their opinions, enjoy a challenge and are passionate about change. From experience, this subject will leave you feeling satisfied and eager to learn more.

Connor Tieman

Connor writes:

Public Policy is a fascinating, multi-disciplinary craft which applies the machinery of government to address fiscal, cultural and social issues. It is both theoretical and practical, requiring an analysis of how an electoral mandate can be realised in the most efficient, equitable and effective way possible. Policy is powerful, because the methods, frameworks and models that comprise it have the potential to make a substantial difference in people’s lives.

Studying Public Policy for the past four years has been a rewarding, challenging and stimulating experience. The knowledge I have gained from the top School of Government in the country, in the heart of New Zealand’s political capital, has provided me with an unequalled learning experience. That is because Victoria University’s School of Government strives to build capability in the public sector, endowing all of its graduates with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the unique conditions presented by the New Zealand public sector.

My studies have granted access to experts from a variety of policy domains, guidance and inspiration from helpful lecturers and, in my Honours year, an opportunity to apply my theoretical skill set to an internship at the Ministry of Transport.

I would advise first-year students to utilise the facilities and resources available to them, including close proximity to Parliament, access to a diverse range of leading scholars, and the capacity and insight harnessed within the Institute of Policy Studies. Remember that Public Policy is a flexible field, allowing you to pursue what you are interested in and passionate about, so that one day you can make a real difference.

Hannah Wilson

Hannah Wilson graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration Honours (1st Class) in Public Policy, and received the Bernard Galvin Prize in 2009. The Bernard Galvin Prize is awarded annually to a student in the School who has demonstrated the best application of economic analysis to public policy or public management. Hannah received the prize for her research into the differences between the labour supply for men and women as part of her course in public economics. She is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Laws with Honours.

Hannah writes:

I often describe public policy as a kind of applied political science. It’s about how governments go about achieving what it is they were elected to do. But it’s not just looking at what MPs are going to do next or analysing their ideologies. It is about looking at social problems affecting New Zealand and designing models or policies that can deliver change.

One of the things I loved most about the Honours programme was that it allows you to research areas of personal interest and look at a problem in both a theoretical and practical sense. I found academic staff were very helpful — we are fortunate to have staff in the School of Government who are well connected to what is happening across the road in Parliament and within the public sector. Lecturers often have important roles consulting government in their areas of expertise.

My advice for first-year students is to study something you find interesting and challenging. To get the most out of the university experience you have to enjoy what it is you are doing. Don’t worry about what other people think you ‘should’ study — if you do what you love you will do well!

Ben Woodham

Ben writes:

Public Policy is an area which I have found myself drawn to from the beginning of my tertiary studies. I was certain that I wanted a career in policy creation and implementation and with the timely advice from friends, family, and lecturers I have emerged from my fifth year of university in a strong position to meet that goal.

I forged through my first few years and emerged with a BA in Economics, International Relations, and Political Science. At this point I knew that I needed some level of postgraduate study to make myself more relevant in the constantly evolving policy environment; however I was unsure of what exactly what direction I should take.

After researching the many options offered at Victoria, I chose to move away from my undergraduate focus on Economics and International Relations and instead focus on a BA with Honours in Public Policy here at the School of Government. Not only did the fantastic reputation of the school draw me in, but also the diverse and flexible interdisciplinary approach of the course which allows students to build their skills and knowledge in the areas they feel are most relevant to them. In my case, I chose to mix the core papers of the Public Policy Honours Programme with other subjects such as “Economics of Social Regulation”, run by Dr Paul Calcott, and a couple of papers in the Strategic Studies programme, organized by Professor Rob Ayson.

This combination has led to me ending this chapter in my university career with the benefit of diverse analytical abilities resulting from my undergraduate degree as well as the more career-relevant knowledge and skills developed during my postgraduate studies.

So if you are looking for a course that will challenge you and give you the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge relevant to the policy sector in New Zealand, postgraduate study in Public Policy at Victoria is for you!

Colleen Coop

Colleen Coop is the Group Manager, Emergency Medicine and Surgery Services, for the Otago District Health Board. She completed her BA in Psychology with the University of Auckland in 1986, and went on to receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts, Diploma in Clinical Psychology and PhD in Psychology from the University of Otago, and a Diploma in Health Services Management from Massey University.

Colleen completed her Master of Public Management with Distinction in 2003, and received the Prime Minister's Prize for Public Management and the Holmes Prize in Public Policy. She graduated with a Master of Public Policy in 2011.

Colleen writes:

Providing health and disability services is a complex, demanding, but also incredibly rewarding vocation. An explosion of technology, an aging population and increasing expectations from the public interact to produce a sector that must adapt and innovate to remain sustainable. To be effective as a health manager means remaining abreast of best practice within both public management and public policy fields. I have been fortunate to have been able to gain both these Master's degrees from the School of Government.

My depth of understanding and the synergies created by cross-pollination of subjects has been immeasurable and has instilled the expertise and confidence to have a meaningful impact in this challenging role. Travelling to Wellington has been an extra demand, but the chance to be more "connected" to central government and to hear from lecturers who work in the public sector, as well as networking with like-minded students has made it very worthwhile. All these factors made these my degrees of choice for self-improvement and life-long learning, as well as I believe being mandatory for effective leadership of complex health services.

Mark Frampton

Mark Frampton is currently the Acting Manager, Environment at the Ministry of Transport. He has had a diverse career starting as a Trade Certified Automotive Engineer in 1982. He is also a Trained Nurse and has a Certificate in Management. Mark left his hometown of Christchurch in 1985 and spent 12 years working in Sydney before moving to Japan for three years. He gained a BA in Japanese from the University of Canterbury in 2004 and moved to Wellington soon after to take a Project Manager position with a trade association. Mark has been working in the public sector since 2008 and is currently studying for his Master of Public Policy degree.

Mark writes:

My introduction to, and interest in, policy analysis came about through a series of interactions with government officials when I was working for an industry advocacy group. I found it very interesting working with policy advisers, seeking to influence and help shape policy options on an issue that affected virtually all New Zealanders. When the chance came up to work in central government as a policy analyst, I jumped at it and I continue to find the responsibilities associated with government activities that affect our lives very rewarding.

Because I am not a career public servant, the School of Government Post Experience courses in Public Policy have really complemented my work experience and have eased the transition from the private sector into government. I have also been fortunate to work for a department that provides development opportunities and the chance to move among teams to learn from job experience. I regularly consider and apply concepts learned at the school on policy projects. The course material and lectures have also all been up-to-date and pertinent to policy projects I am working on.

Understanding policy analysis at the level taught on the programme now allows me to contribute to practical problems outside my background and I would recommend the course to any adviser wanting to work outside their area of expertise.

Diego Gonnet Ibarra

Diego Gonnet Ibarra is from Uruguay, and graduated in 2005 with a BA in Political Science (with Honours) from Universidad de la República, Uruguay. Between 2004 and 2008 he worked as a researcher for that University. He investigated on democracy and civil-military relations, defence policy, United Nations peacekeeping operations and military law.

Thanks to his NZAID scholarship, Diego completed the Master of Public Policy programme in 2011. In his research essay, he discussed how universities can contribute to fostering economic development by promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among its students.

Diego writes:

Underdeveloped countries (such as Uruguay) face countless problems, seriously hampering people’s abilities to achieve even the most basic goals in life. I have always seen politics and public policy as activities with great potential to positively transform this reality. This is why I studied political science and why I directed my research efforts towards serious issues affecting the community. But, though interesting, analysing problems from an office in a university may not be enough. Sometimes you feel you have to get more directly involved in searching for solutions and implementing them. So I decided to combine my academic career with working as a policy analyst and adviser.

The Master of Public Policy programme provided me with the preparation I was looking for. Teachers here merge strong knowledge of the theory of public policy and public management with sharp insights on how institutions and rules are actually put into practice. Moreover, most of my classmates were experienced public servants from New Zealand and abroad, who enriched the courses with highly valuable contributions. In my opinion, this unique mix of world-class academics and practitioners from different jurisdictions makes the School of Government Post Experience programmes a great option for those interested in a gratifying and challenging career in the public sector.

Joanna Heslop

Joanna Heslop is of Scottish and Ngāti Ruanui descent, and works in the International Security and Disarmament Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She gained her Master of Music with Distinction and First Class Honours in English Literature at Victoria in 1999, then joined New Zealand Opera as an Emerging Artist over 2000 and 2001.

Joanna graduated with a Master of Strategic Studies with Distinction in 2009, and received the Prime Minister's Prize in Strategic Studies. Her research focused on strategic culture. She credits her time at the School of Government with helping prepare her for her role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Watch her story here.

Alison Lewes

Alison Lewes has three degrees and three children, and the wrinkles to prove it, she says! Alison was awarded the 2011 Prime Minister's Prize in Public Management after graduating with a Master's degree in Public Management (MPM) with Distinction. All up, Alison spent almost a decade studying at Victoria – first completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Laws degree from 1993 to 1997, and then after a break of several years, studying part-time for four and a half years for her Master's degree. Alongside her study, Alison has spent 14 years in the public service, and almost eight years as a parent. She currently works as a Senior Advisor in the Crown Entity Monitoring and Appointments team of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Alison writes:

I am extremely pleased that I decided to study for my Master's degree and managed to complete it, even though it was a really busy time in my life. The study was a major effort, but was hugely rewarding. I learned so much. I would definitely encourage others to try post-graduate or part-time study – you have so much to gain.

I was initially uncertain about whether I had the time or space for post-graduate study. That feeling never really went away, but I just got on with it! When I enrolled to study I had one pre-schooler, a demanding job, and was busy around the clock. By the time I finished I had two more children! Life was always relentless and there was never a time without trade-offs from managing assignments, work and family obligations.

At one point in 2006 I had a particularly rough time. I hadn't accumulated many credits, had lots of family challenges, and my manager didn’t support my study. I had a really helpful meeting with Associate Professors Bill Ryan and Bob Stephens, who were very reassuring and told me to keep going - that gaining the degree would simply be about sticking with it through thick and thin. And they were certainly right. Family life, study and paid work didn't let up, and other major challenges cropped up over the years, but it all added to my sense of achievement in the end.

I feel strongly that anyone considering embarking on part-time study should go for it. The key is being realistic with yourself and your expectations. Everybody has their burdens and challenges and no-one has an easy time throughout life. Study is a marathon, not a sprint, and you just can't give up. You will hit brick walls where everything seems insurmountable, but you will get through it – just take your time, pace yourself and you will find a way through.

There are lots of supports at university. Resources, staff and other students are all great. Ways of studying have changed completely in recent years, and are really helpful for people studying remotely. Most course materials are available online and assignments can be completed electronically. There are computers all over the campus and laptops are welcome in lectures. The library also has an enormous electronic collection of New Zealand and international material, which is great when you are studying at strange hours or can’t leave the house!

The university staff are excellent. Most lecturers are renowned for their academic and professional expertise. On a personal level, most staff members are wonderful individuals too. With few exceptions, lecturers are sensitive to the challenges of balancing study with work and personal life and will be as supportive as they can. Finally, I really enjoyed the collegiality with other students from New Zealand and overseas.

What did I gain from my study, apart from a few extra wrinkles? A great depth of knowledge that comes from being able to link on-the-job experience with academic theory. New ideas and skills. But probably most of all, a fantastic sense of achievement from challenging myself and meeting my goals. Priceless.

Ian McChesney

Ian McChesney graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1977, and has since worked as a farm adviser and energy researcher. He was the Energy Transport Planning Manager for Environment Canterbury from 1994 to 2001, and the Principal Adviser for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) from 2001 to 2002. Ian co-founded an energy charitable trust in Christchurch and has played a key role in its governance since the early 1990's. He is currently working towards a Master's in Public Policy (MPP), and has been self-employed as a contractor/consultant since 2002.

Ian writes:

In 2010 I embarked on a year’s full-time study towards a Master’s in Public Policy. Most of my work in the last two decades has been public policy related, but with no formal training in this area, and in a rapidly changing employment environment, I was in need of new skills and disciplines.

33 years is a long time between degrees. Becoming a full-time student again initially seemed daunting. But I found it a very good way to reconnect with formal learning because I was able to focus solely on the papers, without added work pressures. The modular course structure suited my living in Christchurch, and with School of Government lecturers providing stimulating offerings, the travel to Wellington has always been something to look forward to. The course has put structure around the familiar and provided insights and exposure to the new. It has reinforced to me why the pursuit and practice of good public policymaking is such an important part of the social and economic fabric of the country.

After part-time study in 2011 I intend to finish in 2012. The course has definitely instilled new knowledge and confidence, and opened possibilities for the future that would not have been possible previously.

Sophie Young

Sophie Young completed her studies towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Policy in 2011, studying part-time over a two year period while working full-time. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology) from Otago University in 1983, a Master of Arts (History and Social Anthropology) from the University of London in 1993 and a Master of Library and Information Studies from Victoria University in 2006.

Her policy career began with a role as Policy and Planning Analyst at Archives New Zealand in 2005, which she held until 2011. This was a varied role in a small government department, which included both policy and planning work as well as secondment as private secretary to the Minister.

Sophie writes:

At first I was hesitant about enrolling in the course, as I was not sure if I should commit to part-time study, having already undertaken part-time study towards two Master’s degrees in the past! Also, I had a diverse career before starting work as a Policy and Planning Analyst, which included librarianship, tutoring, research and information management. This made me wonder if I should be diversifying even further.

However, once I started the course, I quickly realized that I had made the right choice. The course was relevant and interesting and it became clear that it would enhance my day-to-day work and future career. I enjoyed the expertise that the lecturers brought to their classes, and the convenience and relevance of the school’s location in downtown Wellington, close to the centre of government. In addition to extending my academic knowledge and skills, I also found that the course provided me with opportunities to network.

A strength of the course is that students are able to integrate their previous studies and experience into their coursework. Each student brings a unique contribution and perspective to class discussions and group work. For example, overseas students contribute their views and observations of politics and policy-making in their own countries to class discussion. I was able to explore my interest in information management with other group members as part of a group assignment on using ICTs in the policy process.

My studies in Public Policy enabled me to see my own policy work in a wider context, and to gain an appreciation of the knowledge and professionalism underpinning public policy processes. I found the School of Government’s flexible approach very helpful and would recommend anyone interested in studying Public Policy at a postgraduate level to give it a go.

Jessie Williams

Jessie Williams graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in 2004 with a BA in Political Science, a Bachelor of Laws, and a first class honours degree in International Relations. She was employed as a researcher at the IPS, part-time during 2004 while undertaking post graduate study, and full-time from 2005 to 2007. Most of her work has been related to public and international law, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and state building. Since 2007 Jessie has also become a PhD candidate.

Jessie writes:

My PhD research is on post-conflict state transformation, critiquing the current dominant theory and practice, and looking at the way groups behave, become exhausted with conflict and constitute new governance arrangements or don’t.

It’s not simply about where you study, it’s about the people. I interned at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)—part of the School of Government—as part of my undergraduate law degree, which put me in touch with Dr Andrew Ladley, a world expert in his field who would become my PhD supervisor.

As well as working towards my PhD, I have been a researcher at the IPS. Working while studying is a matter of balance, but doing exciting work such as providing the labour law and human rights analysis on current and potential low-skilled migration to New Zealand, and being part of the team that audited the drafted Solomon Islands Constitution and co-wrote a report on Papua New Guinean electoral education makes it worthwhile.

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Student Profiles