Exit memo: senior adviser

We asked members of the Apolitical Community to write-up a prospective “exit memo” for their role to increase visibility of the different kinds of work being done across government.

Your job title: Pou Tohu Matua Senior Adviser Te Pae Huarewa

How would you describe your job to a friend?

I work in the team that leads the Māori strategy across the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage. There are three outcomes we work towards:

1. Building Māori cultural capability,

2. Connecting all New Zealanders to Māori culture, and

3. Supporting iwi aspirations. The Ministry's work includes, art, culture, heritage, sports and media.

What are your daily/weekly/monthly responsibilities?

Representing the ministry at meetings with agencies to work together to deliver the Crown's Māori Language Strategy. Providing advice and information to colleagues around Māori culture. Representing our team on cross-ministry advisory groups such as for climate change, research and evaluation, COVID-19 response and those set up in response to government mandated requirements.

Collating and writing cross-ministry reports on activities and progress on our strategy. Leading the development of processes, principles, strategies and tools to improve our work as Te Tiriti partners. Providing input into ministerials. I also do some similar work in regards to Pacific peoples.

What does your successor need to know to succeed?

It's all about genuine, warm, respectful relationships. We work with a lot of people cross-ministry and cross-agency. It's therefore essential to maintain and build a large number of relationships. You should be able to work really well in the 'third space' between different communities of interest and ethnicities.

Do your research and find out what the parties you work with need and value. Listen well. Keep up-to-date with what's happening and what's coming up- constantly scan the horizon. Keep learning. Look for the opportunities to connect people, connect ideas and to bring about the best outcomes for everyone. Find the joy and passion in your work. Enjoy making a positive difference for others.

What are some current projects you're working on?

Developing a tool to help all staff support our work as Te Tiriti partners, not just those who work directly with iwi Māori. We have already built a set of principles for engagement with iwi and this is the next step. Reviewing our Māori language plan to make sure it works in the current context and to encourage a 'step up' in the actions we take across the ministry. Developing some intranet pages to provide tools, information and advice for those staff working with, and for, Pacific peoples.

Want to increase visibility for your work, and help colleagues learn about your role? Inform the Apolitical community and submit your own exit memo here.

(Image Credit: Unsplash)