An internship programme designed to “grow the tide” of Pacific peoples influencing the public sector policies that
affect all New Zealanders has won the country’s top workplace diversity award.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) took out the Supreme Award at the 2020 Diversity Awards NZ™
for its flagship Tupu Tai intern initiative that is increasing the confidence and capability of young Pacific people and
allowing a new generation to play a key role in impacting public policy.
Delivered across 21 public sector agencies, Tupu Tai offers a paid 11-week summer internship to Pasifika tertiary
students and recent graduates interested in a policy career in the public sector. It was established in 2015 when,
despite making up eight per cent of the total public sector workforce, Pacific peoples were significantly
under-represented in public policy roles, making up just one per cent of the total policy workforce.
By 2019, Pasifika representation in public sector policy roles had increased to 8.2 per cent. A quarter of the 100
active Tupu Tai alumni are now working fulltime in public sector policy roles.
Judging convener Kirstin Te Wao says MBIE’s internship programme is a powerful vehicle for change.
“Culturally grounded, connected to the arts and supported by leadership, this is an operating model that has real,
sustainable potential to break down silos right across government.
“As well as providing opportunities for the interns, many of whom shared amazing stories, it’s amplifying Pacific voices
and creating tūākana (mentor) roles for many Pasifika peoples in the public sector.”
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment initiative also won the Tomorrow’s Workforce category at the 2020
Diversity Award NZ™, which celebrate excellence in workplace diversity and inclusion.
The awards were announced on 16 September evening. Here is a list of all winners
Supreme Award
Ministry of Business, Innovation and EmploymentEmerging Diversity and Inclusion
New Zealand Police
Highly Commended
AA InsuranceEmpowerment
DeloitteWork Life Balance
Aurecon
Small Organisation Excellence Award
The Business Results Group Ltd - BRG
Highly Commended
Southern Cross Health SocietyImpact
State Services Commission and Ministry for Women
Small Organisation Excellence Award
TupuToa
Highly Commended
Capability GroupTomorrow’s Workforce
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Highly Commended
Citycare LtdWalk the Talk
Tracey Taylor, Yellow NZ LtdBreaking Barriers
DownlightsCultural Celebration
JasmaxSkills Highway
Westco Lumber Limited