What's your job about?
The Treasury’s vision is to improve living standards for New Zealanders, both for this and future generations. The Treasury monitors the Government’s financial affairs, provides strategic policy advice and publishes data relating to the New Zealand economy, among other things.
The Treasury’s Commercial Performance team is a centre of commercial expertise and experience, acting as stewards and providing advice on a group of entities that have either principally commercial objectives or a mixture of policy and commercial objectives.
As an analyst and relationship manager in this team, I maintain an active relationship with the boards and executive teams of a number of these entities and provide a link between the business world and shareholding Ministers. This can involve providing strategic advice on the entities’ operating environment, performance (both financial and non-financial), and transactions requiring shareholding Ministers’ approval.
What's your background?
I was born and raised in Auckland, although I am also half Canadian. Prior to moving to Wellington in 2019 to work at the Treasury, I undertook an international exchange in Montreal, Canada, for eight months.
I was the Head Teaching Assistant at the School of Economics and also a Research Assistant at two research centres while I was at university. These jobs enabled me to develop skills that I could transfer to my career outside of university; skills like communicating to different audiences through different methods, collaborating with others and problem-solving.
I have been working at the Treasury for three years. I applied for the Treasury’s graduate programme because I was motivated by the organisation’s vision and the opportunity to interact with and advise Ministers on topical and important issues.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes – the quantity and quality of the training through the Treasury’s graduate programme is comprehensive and caters to all academic backgrounds, so you do not feel at a disadvantage. You are also part of a graduate cohort and are assigned a buddy and a coach – all of which creates a strong support system as you begin your career. It is important to be interested in the Treasury’s work and open to development opportunities that will challenge you.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The Treasury provides me with opportunities to learn by doing, but also the support and encouragement to leverage my strengths and progress development areas. I appreciate the level of responsibility provided at an early stage of my career.
The Treasury employs people with different backgrounds and experiences, and therefore perspectives, to improve the quality and robustness of its advice. This has enabled me to learn from various styles and approaches while developing my own.
QUESTION 5
What are the limitations of your job?
There is never a shortage of work, and often work will need to be completed within a short timeframe. Establishing an appropriate work versus life balance is important and challenging at an early stage of your career as you learn your new environment.
3 pieces of advice for your university-self?
At the Treasury, your fresh, diverse perspective will better-inform advice, and ultimately, outcomes for New Zealanders: