ORIGINS & UPBRINGING
Where did you grow up and who were your biggest influences?
I was raised in Lower Hutt, Wellington, within a large extended whānau. I whakapapa to Ngāti Porou on the East Coast and my grandmother, like many from Ngāti Porou, moved to the Hutt Valley as part of the urban migration following the war. My dad’s family are from Scotland and Germany and have been in Aotearoa for generations so I have a big family based in that region.
As the eldest of four daughters, my exposure to higher education began when I was 12 years old, when our mother enrolled in law school at Victoria University. This period marked a significant transition in our family life, with my mother deeply engaged in her studies and my father working. This shift opened new horizons for my siblings and I on setting the scene to pursue higher education.
Did you always have a clear idea of what you wanted to do at school?
Mostly but not overly. I’ve always had a passion for learning however, I believe that the New Zealand schooling system is flawed, especially for Māori students like myself. There were preconceived notions on my learning capabilities that affected how I was placed in class. I feel this is a sentiment shared by many Māori who found the educational system less than supportive, often feeling it wasn’t a place where we could truly flourish or be instilled with the confidence to succeed. At the age of 17, I participated in the AFS Intercultural Program and spent a year in Athens, Greece. This experience taught me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone and the importance of self-reliance.
It was an early indication in my life that I was inclined to challenge myself, to venture into unfamiliar territories and gauge my resilience.
What did you study at university? How was this experience?
I studied at Victoria University and it was the first time I was surrounded by people like me. I embarked on a journey with other young Māori in tertiary education who came from diverse backgrounds but we all shared the same values and approaches and I formed bonds that have lasted for years. I pursued studies in law and Māori public policy, inspired in part by my mother’s legal career and at that time, law was being pursued by many young Māori. I didn’t excel in every subject, but I cherished the university environment and the diverse perspectives I encountered. My innate curiosity always drove me to explore and think differently.
While still in university, I worked in the public sector. Upon graduation, I became a bicultural policy analyst at the Museum of New Zealand, now known as Te Papa Tongarewa. This position allowed me to apply my public sector knowledge within the unique context of a museum. Starting my career in museums was unexpected, but it provided a valuable foundation. My career aspirations have always been simple: to engage in challenging work that allows me to make a positive impact.
I had the privilege of being at the museum during the development of Te Papa Tongarewa. It was an invaluable learning experience. My role, which sometimes involved taking minutes in development meetings, offered me a front-row seat to the art of storytelling, the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, and the weaving together of diverse ideas. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of diving into tasks, regardless of the role and at times this role could be holding space for others. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room as ideas can sit with anybody.
In fact, you may be the most senior person in the room and the most powerful thing you can do is remain quiet.
Starting at Te Papa Tongarewa when it first opened, how did your role evolve?
I was at Te Papa for 10 years, transitioning from an analyst role to spearheading the repatriation programme. In collaboration with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, I secured initial funding for the programme. This role had me engaging with government agencies globally, reigniting discussions on repatriation. Concurrently, I achieved my master’s degree in bicultural policy.
Over the span of 13 years in the arts and culture sector, I was able to see the same issue from the perspectives of various organisations, being able to see the same issue through a different lens.
I took on one of my first senior positions as the Director at the Waitangi Tribunal, tasked with preparing the institution for a new kind of future. As historical claims neared resolution, the focus shifted to how the tribunal could facilitate the contemporary claims process. It was in this role that I became acutely aware of the solitude that often accompanies senior positions. I recognised the paramount importance of robust support networks, leading me to incorporate mentorship into my professional toolkit.
One of the most challenging roles I undertook was with the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery, where I focused on optimising government services in the aftermath of the earthquake. Navigating an environment filled with trauma, and working alongside individuals deeply affected by it, provided profound insights from both observational and leadership standpoints. The lessons I gleaned from Christchurch directly informed the work I later undertook for Arts Council England in response to the Covid crisis.
I have not been a technical expert in every role I’ve undertaken, but I can chart a course through complexity, bringing order to chaos. In many organisations, it’s the looming uncertainty that can be paralysing for individuals and I will guide people through these uncertainties, helping them identify their next steps and fostering collaboration.
While technical knowledge is undoubtedly valuable, it’s often one’s mindset that truly makes a difference. It’s essential to reflect on whether self-imposed limitations are hindering progress and preventing your crucial next step.
How have your cultural values and identity influenced your professional success?
They have been inherent in my professional success and a foundation for how and where I started my career. My ability to understand and shift between cultural contexts has been at the heart of my career.
Was your career your motivation to leave NZ?
My husband Andy and I have always travelled, spending lots of time in South East Asia – our favourite place to visit but we wanted to make it more permanent and see if we could be based overseas and continue to travel.
My career wasn’t my motivation to leave but I did want to see if my skills were transferable and whether I could build a career and profile elsewhere. I didn’t see it as the next step in my career as I’ve had to go backwards to establish a reputation first and then started to build into more senior roles.
What were your expectations when you arrived?
Fairly low but that eventually I would get a job that I found satisfying and engaging; one that interests me and aligns with my values.
What have you learned from having a successful career in NZ and having to start here?
Securing a position at Arts Council England felt akin to a homecoming as the nature of the work was familiar to me. It was like putting on the same coat but in a different colour. Although the role was more junior than those I had previously held, adapting to such changes was a necessary part of my journey in a new country. Embracing this path also meant being unafraid to seek clarity and ask questions.
In the UK, the professional landscape differs significantly from that in Aotearoa, where my established profile and network readily opened doors. I noticed that in the UK, the value placed on generalist skills isn’t as pronounced, and learning to market my diverse abilities was initially a challenge.
What is your current role?
I’m at Art Council England and am leading change approaches to support the delivery of their strategy ‘Let’s Create’.
What does success look like to you?
At work this is being challenged, contributing to great societal outcomes, supporting great leaders and people in great organisations.
What strategies or support systems have you found helpful in achieving your goals in the UK?
Family and friends; using the skills and approaches from Aotearoa- adaptability, versatility, openness, humour, engaging.
What advice would you give your younger self as they start their journey?
It’s important not to take things personally. Embrace bravery and courage and ask yourself ‘what is the worst that could happen if I did this?’
Many people are not comfortable to assert, “I can do that” or even, “I believe I can handle that; I’ll give it a go’ Yet, most organisations are looking for people who say exactly that – and then get it done.
What practices have you developed to ‘keep yourself on track’?
Coaching has been an integral part of my personal and professional journey for years. My coach plays a pivotal role in my ongoing development. Through coaching, I’ve learned the importance of introspection, understanding the reasons behind events, and evaluating my reactions. It has also taught me the value of taking breaks, establishing boundaries, and identifying what truly brings me joy—ensuring I make time for those activities.
What have you learnt about yourself during your time in the UK?
I can do it, I can get out there and build networks. The skills and techniques I have used for years work here too, although sometimes I do have to soften my approach or slow it down a bit.
Any future plans? Anything we should keep an eye on?
I am venturing into a newish field of work which is exciting and terrifying… I can’t wait.