Graduate Opportunities

New Zealand is a sovereign state with a democratic parliamentary government based on the Westminster system. Its constitutional history dates back to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The role of government administration, or more broadly the state sector, in New Zealand is to implement central, state and local government policies and provide information and services to support policy decisions. Much of the business of government is performed by ministries, government departments and other government agencies that are collectively known as the public sector.

The state sector employs more than 260,000 (2006 NZ Census) New Zealanders and is a major employer of graduates. While 40 per cent of State sector roles are concentrated in Wellington, there are roles throughout New Zealand.

Occupational roles within government are diverse. Policy and administrative roles predominate, but there are opportunities in many other areas. A wide range of professionals are needed to meet the diverse needs of different government portfolios, from agricultural scientists to IT analysts and lawyers.

Requirements for a job in government vary considerably depending on the department and the role. Most agencies recruit widely, however, so opportunities are available for graduates from most disciplines. Degrees in public policy and/or public management are particularly valued in this sector, as they provide the following critical skills:

• Capacity to analyse and develop policy
• Knowledge of the relationship between Cabinet, ministers and the public service and the nature of different institutions and policy instruments
• Understanding of the complex ethical and constitutional arrangements involved in public sector organisations
• Skills which public sector employers seek in graduates include: analytical and conceptual thinking; abstract reasoning; written and oral communication and relationship-building.

Outlook

Employment opportunities in this industry are expected to grow moderately over the next decade because of the ongoing need to formulate and administer central and local government policy.

Significant stats

• In 2006, 57,264 people were employed in government administration; 56 per cent were female.
• Public service departments employed 38,032 full-time equivalent staff as at June 2005

Statistics sources: Statistics New Zealand; New Zealand Offical Year Book 2006.

Except where indicated, this profile is based on edited extracts from www.careers.govt.nz