Aside from giving her invaluable work experience, Maia’s time this year with the Wellbeing Economic Alliance Aotearoa, has given her insight into the world of local government, when it’s front of mind for many New Zealanders preparing to vote in October’s local body elections.
Maia, who is completing her BA double majoring in international relations and te Reo Māori, with minors in politics and Māori studies, was matched with the Wellbeing Economic Alliance (WEAll) after an interview with Work Integrated Learning coordinator Robyn Cockburn, who is senior advisor of student engagement and employability in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
“An internship is a real opportunity to gain valuable sector experience and recognise potential career paths,” Robyn says
Benefits include accelerated skills development, operational experience and an appreciation of political, cultural and economic issues facing sector organisations like the Wellbeing Economic Alliance, which promotes ideas such as investing communal wealth back into communities and a more Māori intergenerational way of thinking.
Maia, whose iwi affiliation is Ngāti Maniapoto and also identifies strongly with Tainui iwi, worked with WEAll to compile case studies for a local government resource guide, highlighting the vital role of local councils by identifying evidence-based policies and sharing multiple case studies of such policies in action.
“That’s what I liked about working at WEALL, the focus isn’t just on GDP growth, but prioritising people and planet “
The case studies include focuses on nature-based solutions, community engagement and infrastructure including one related to a new bus depot being developed by Greater Wellington Regional Council.
The project involves Greater Wellington running its own leased depots, including a new site with charging stations at Miramar, for an expanded electric fleet.
“It was cool to learn about some more of the initiatives in the Wellington region,” says Maia, who is originally from Waikato.
Other case studies she worked on included an analysis of Mana Whenua representation on Selwyn District Council and highlighting Tauranga City Council’s work with kerbside food waste collections.
“These case studies added real-world evidence to the handbook, strengthening its impact as a policy and communications tool for candidates and community leaders.”
Asked whether reading the Wellbeing Alliance guide would prompt a greater interest in local body politics, Maia responded, “I hope so.”
“I think people might not know what’s happening in their own smaller region compared to nationally, and that’s the case with some of my friends back home.
“So that’s equally as important, if not more important than just focusing on the national politics.”
Maia’s pursuit of internships has seen her secure a full-time role as an analyst with the sustainability and climate team at Deloitte. She will also work with their Horua Pae Rau and Strategy and Business Design team towards supporting community engagement, particularly Māori-focused work supporting wellbeing.
While that role wasn’t secured through Work Integrated Learning, she recommends the University programme FHSS 302 to students keen to gain a foothold in the private or public sector.