Give a brief description of what your job involves.
Governance refers to the systems and processes for leading and guiding an organisation. As part of the Executive Governance team, I work as a Governance Advisor and support the Police Organisational Governance Model by establishing and maintaining the processes and systems required to give effect to this framework.
The Executive Governance team is responsible for providing a single source of truth on governance matters. This includes working closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), advisors, and subject matter experts within the business to increase alignment and collaboration, and ensure appropriate linkages are recognised and decisions sequenced to enable the ELT to deliver on its strategic intent. This includes surfacing risks, connecting workgroups, and providing advice on key strategic items to ensure the organisation is keeping at its core our vision for New Zealand to be the safest country.
What do you find interesting about your role?
The interplay between other government agencies and the diversity of content I am engaging with keeps my job interesting. Being exposed to the high volume of considerations and decisions being made by senior leaders, in a constantly changing society, with new risks routinely emerging means everyday is different.
What motivated you to study your Criminal Justice degree?
I have always had a strong desire to work for New Zealand Police, before completing my degree I considered becoming a frontline police officer. However, I knew I wanted to pursue tertiary study.
I was interested in psychology, the social makeup of society, and the systems and processes we adhere to. I knew I wanted to study criminology and law in some capacity and was always interested in the criminal justice system.
The BCJ drew together criminology, sociology, developmental and behavioural psychology, policing, criminal law and procedure, and human services, which ticked all my boxes. I knew that there had been attempts to improve this system, recognising there is still work to be done, I was motivated to be part of this continuous improvement.
How has your study prepared you for what you are doing now?
My previous work experience as an emergency call taker and completion of my BCJ degree equipped me with a 360-degree look at both Police as an organisation, the criminal justice system, and their processes, including governance, enforcement, rehabilitation, and improvement.
The BCJ’s combination of multidisciplinary academic study and strong vocational focus provided me with strong foundational knowledge for my current role. The amalgamation of sentencing theory, law of evidence, contemporary issues in criminal law and procedure, gangs, how the Treaty of Waitangi has influenced modern Māori society; and the evolution of corrections and contemporary correctional issues in NZ has ensured I have an appreciation for the multitude of factors which influence where NZP are now as an organisation and how to acknowledge these factors when seeking to improve.
More specifically a detailed understanding of the Policing Act, other statutes relevant to policing and prosecution in NZ and the role of regulating bodies such as the IPCA have proven pivotal in succeeding in my current role.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying in your degree area?
I would encourage anyone considering pursuing a career in the justice sector to complete the BCJ. This degree provides students with foundational knowledge that can kick start your career in many different roles. Explore the options available to you within the justice sector outside of the “well-known” roles, you may not even know your dream job exists yet!
While it is good to have a plan and goals to work towards, I have learnt it is important to avoid being inhibited by your perceived step by step path to success, otherwise you may miss opportunities in your periphery.
Do you have any career goals?
My passion lies with criminal justice reform and improvement. I would like to explore further advisory roles within Police and continue to improve in my advisory capacity.
Why did you choose to study at UC?
Mostly for the BCJ, the University of Canterbury is the only university that offers this. It was a new degree which brought together all the things I was interested in and is unique compared to other degrees you can complete elsewhere. I was also interested in the great club’s culture at UC which hosts lots of student events.
What have you enjoyed about studying at UC?
I loved the student atmosphere at UC. It was awesome seeing the campus improve year by year. I also had so many stand out lecturers who were passionate and not scared to challenge conventional thinking which made a huge difference.
Have you taken part in any internships at UC? How did you find the experience?
I was selected for the summer graduate intern role through the University of Canterbury to work as part of the Assurance Team at Police National Headquarters (PNHQ). I completed work in a range of areas including hate crime, data quality and integrity, and National Intelligence Application (NIA) maintenance. My time working for the Assurance Group allowed me to gain an appreciation for risk and assurance and how this part of the business interlinks with governance through providing advice to the Office of the Commissioner.
My internship was extended to provide Governance support in the Office of the Commissioner. During this time, I was selected for a permanent role as a Governance Advisor.
My internship experience was exceptional. It opened by eyes to the breadth of opportunity to utilise my BCJ within NZ Police. Thanks to the NZP Assurance Team and University of Canterbury’s collaboration this internship programme provided me with connections and first-hand experience that catalysed my career at PNHQ; as it has with many other graduates over the years who are working in areas such as policy, Police vetting, and emergent technologies.
Whether you are wanting to progress your career working as an employee for NZ police at PHNQ, districts, or as a sworn frontline officer, the opportunity to gain appreciation for the diversity of roles and opportunity at PNHQ is invaluable.
Tell us about any UC clubs or events you took part in.
Clubs such as LAWSOC and CRIMSOC provided great tutoring support. I was very grateful for the group workshops around exam time and the students that volunteered their time. I found I learn best when I have people to bounce ideas off so having people to ask questions and provide feedback helped a lot.
I was also part of a lot of social clubs such as CUBA, OPSOC, and the Gentlemen’s club which hosted lots of social student events. I would encourage students to get involved which as many clubs as they can. Lots of them facilitate group trips like the Canterbury University Snow Sports Club.
Any final words of advice to other students?
The opportunities presented to me at UC have put me where I am today. Gaining my internship was a pivotal moment. I was nervous about applying but I did, backed with the support of the University, and it has completely changed my trajectory. University is such a cool period of life so put your hand up for as much as you can!
