Staff profles

“What I love most about working at the Ministry is the people and the positive work culture."

Jonathan Luo started at the Ministry in 2014 as a Graduate Adviser in the Funding and Infrastructure team, and has since become an Adviser. He came to the Ministry after doing a double-degree in law and commerce at the University of Canterbury.

“The Funding and Infrastructure team advises the government on the design, operation and improvement of the systems and frameworks that shape transport infrastructure and services—such as the road user charges system.”

Jonathan has also worked closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency on the review of the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule, which regulates the size and weight of vehicles allowed to travel on New Zealand roads. As part of the project, he got to meet with stakeholders around the country to discuss proposed changes to the Rule.

“Another project that I am currently working on is extending road user charges exemptions to encourage the uptake of electric heavy vehicles, such as buses and trucks.”

Jonathan likes the fact that the work he does has an impact on everyday people; where he might be working on a project one day and later sees it on the news.

“You really get a feel for how the government works and the part you play in getting policies implemented and reviewed.

“What I love most about working at the Ministry is the people and the positive work culture. Our social committee runs good events that bring people together. Also, being one of the smaller Ministries means I know everyone’s name. I have, on occasion, bumped into the Chief Executive in the lift, and he has always greeted me by name.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in working here to apply. You don’t have anything to lose.” 

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Bronwyn started at the Ministry in 2012 through the Graduate Programme after a gap year teaching English in Hong Kong. Before this, she completed an undergraduate degree in political science and international studies, and a Masters in Development Studies at Auckland University.

“One of the most surprising things about working here was finding I am actually really interested in transport! The transport portfolio has a real breadth to it.”

During her time here, she has moved from the Aviation and Security team as a Graduate Adviser to a Senior Adviser in the People and Environment team. In essence, she works to create a more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable transport system, which also reflects the changing needs and interests of users.

Bronwyn’s days are varied: sometimes she provides analysis and advice for the Minister and his colleagues, drafts answers to Parliamentary Questions, writes briefings, or works on large projects, such as the electric vehicles package that was publically launched in May 2016. As a Senior Adviser, she also helps coach junior staff.

“I can say that, having been on the Ministry’s Graduate Programme, it really is second to none. I had the chance to go on the applied Policy Adviser Development (a-PAD) Programme, where I came out with a Victoria University post-graduate Certificate in Public Policy. There is a real investment in personal development at the Ministry; the people here want to see you do well on both an individual and organisational level.

“The Ministry is small enough to give people the work experience they want. I recently had a chat with my manager where I expressed an interest in gaining legislative experience. Now I am getting this by working on a project where I am helping progress three transport Bills through Parliament.”

Being in the public sector itself is something else Bronwyn enjoys. “It provides you with great networking opportunities; you get to meet a lot of other people at a similar career and life stage as you.

“If you’re motivated, enjoy variety, relish a challenge, and readily grab opportunities when they come your way, the Ministry is a great place to work.”

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Gavin Middleton started at the Ministry in 2013 as a Senior Adviser in the Engagement and Communications team, and has since become a Principal Adviser.

Before joining the Ministry, Gavin studied political science at Victoria University. After completing his degree, he developed his communications skills working in Parliament; for a non-government organisation; and as a public relations consultant.

“As part of the Engagement and Communications team, I provide groups across the ministry with strategic communications advice, as well as helping keep our external stakeholders informed of—and involved in—our work. This involves writing media releases and speeches, responding to media enquiries and drafting communications material for the Ministers’ Offices.

“Additionally, an important component of being a Principal Adviser is to develop and coach my team, helping us all become more effective communicators.”

Gavin has been involved in several major projects, including the Government Policy Statement on land transport, where his role is to help inform people outside the Ministry on the project, and encourage them to give feedback to then pass on to the policy team.

He has also done internal communications work, such as on the Ministry’s Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit that helps staff understand how the Ministry involves others, such as local government and non-government agencies, in making policy.

“The Ministry is a dynamic, high pace workplace that challenges your thinking and expands your horizons. We’re not an old-fashioned Ministry of walk shorts and socks. I haven’t had a boring work day in three years!”

Gavin has this advice for anyone thinking of applying to work at the Ministry: “Do it! It is a great place to work and has a real focus on developing people. Be prepared to think hard and work differently.

“I followed a friend’s advice to apply here, and have never regretted it.” 

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Emma has been at the Ministry for 2 ½ years where she a started as a Senior Adviser before becoming the Acting Manager for the Maritime and Freight team.

“If you had have said to me before I started at the Ministry that I would geek out over freight, I would have laughed!”

Emma initially moved from Dunedin to Auckland to complete a Masters in Social Policy, and later completed a Masters in Library Studies. She moved to Wellington to begin her career as a public servant, first working for the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, then for the Ministry of Economic Development—both of which are now part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Her interest in the transport sector then led her to work here at the Ministry.

Emma has worked on some of the big transport questions, such as how freight movement and demand may change over the next 30 years, as well as on smaller but just as vital projects, such as advancing satellite technology for Maritime Search and Rescue.

“My role as a Senior Adviser has a strong implementation focus: I work a lot with Maritime New Zealand, as well as on the ‘business as usual’ policy work, like writing briefings, cabinet papers and aide memoires, and on the Freight Information Gathering System, which provides quarterly reports on freight movements into, out of and around New Zealand.

“As an Acting Manager, I encourage my team and make sure they are achieving what they want to achieve—be it a project on environmental protection, freight logistics and intermodality, mitigating climate change, or addressing safety and security.”

Emma also likes the fact that the Ministry is on the smaller side: “I get to know everyone well and know what they do. The people here are smart, capable and go out of their way to help you. The atmosphere is very collegial.

“But what I love most is the intellectual stimulation I get here. It is not the same old same old every day, so the novelty factor is high.”

Emma has this to say to people considering working for the Ministry: “I would recommend it in a heartbeat.”

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