Understanding people comes from being human
Melemo Siakumi-Mataele always believed that good policy was about finding the right solutions, but as she completed her Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Te Herenga Waka, she learnt that it actually comes from understanding people, and ultimately, from being human.
For 50 years, graduates of the MPP have helped shape some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest decisions.
For Melemo, that work began while working on the front line of New Zealand’s Justice sector, where she saw first-hand the challenges people face and the barriers that often affect their outcomes in society.
“My experiences working with people sparked my interest in how government policy and decisions can have a significant impact on people’s lives, both positively, and sometimes in ways that weren't intended.
“I wanted to better understand how policy is developed, how decisions are made, and how I could help influence positive change,” she says.
When Melemo’s career path took her to a national office role, her interest in those issues didn’t change—but with it, her desire to contribute to solutions in a different way grew.
“I realised that while I had built a strong base of practical knowledge and experience over the years, there were gaps in my knowledge that I wanted to address.”
Even though she thought about going back to university to do a Master's for years. she kept finding reasons not to.
“Like many people, I worried about balancing study with family commitments, finding the time and energy, managing the cost, and being there for my children—despite wanting to do it, I kept talking myself out of it.”
Eventually, with encouragement from some of her team, she decided to give it a go.
“Once I made that decision, choosing Victoria University of Wellington was easy. I'd heard great things about the MPP programme, and it just felt like the right fit for me.”
For Melemo, embarking on a MPP was about strengthening, and realising, her value to the public service while also helping to create better outcomes for the communities she serves and lives in.
“As a Pasifika woman who started in frontline and operational roles before moving into policy, I sometimes questioned whether my experiences had a place in policy discussions. It was through the MPP, that I gained confidence in the value of bringing those perspectives into the room.”
The programme helped Melemo change how she views her own contribution to public service, and how her experiences are strengths.
Every day, Melemo draws on what she learnt during her time at Te Herenga Waka, whether it's analysing evidence, asking better questions, working across agencies, navigating different perspectives, or turning ideas into practical actions.
“Looking back, the biggest thing the MPP gave me was confidence—not just from gaining another qualification, but in my own thinking.
“The programme helped me realise that the perspectives I bring are strengths that add real value to my work.”
The MPP also elevated Melemo’s critical thinking skills, teaching her to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and take a more thoughtful and evidence-based approach to developing advice and solving problems.
“Professionally, it has helped me become a stronger adviser, and on a more personal level, it taught me a lot about resilience and self-belief.”
Completing the MPP, she says, showed her that growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone and take opportunities before you feel completely ready.
Melemo hopes that as someone who came through a different pathway into policy, her story encourages others to see that there isn’t just one way to get here.
“Your experiences matter, and they can become one of your greatest strengths,” she says.
“The MPP helped me recognise the difference I can make, both through my work and in my community. It continues to encourage me to keep investing in opportunities that make a positive difference for others.”