At the Ministry of Transport, we are working to ensure our transport system helps New Zealand thrive.
Our people are intelligent, collaborative and passionate about what they do. Learn more about some of our staff, their roles and what drives them:
- Mike Han - Graduate Adviser, Funding and Infrastructure team
- Bronwyn Lauten - Senior Adviser, Road and Rail - People and Environment team
- Gavin Middleton - Team Leader, Engagement and Communications team
- Richard Cross - Policy Manager, Strategic Direction and Performance
Mike Han
Graduate Adviser, Funding and Infrastructure team
“The Ministry is a perfect place to start your career. The range of work helps you develop diverse skills, and people are always happy to help.”
Mike Han joined the Ministry in 2016 as a Graduate Adviser in the Funding and Infrastructure team. Originally from Wellington, he came to the Ministry after completing a double degree and double major in law, psychology and philosophy at Victoria University. Prior to this, he worked as a Residential Adviser (RA) at the univeristy, as well as a maths and English tutor for high school and primary school students.
"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."
Day to day, Mike's work is varied: he writes briefings, ministerial and Official Information Act responses, as well as work on policy itself, such as public transport funding, and exploring the impact of heavy vehicles on New Zealand's road network.
"A big project I've been working on is the development of the Government Policy Statement on land transport (GPS) 2018, which sets out the Government's priorities for transport, and a funding envelope for different kinds of activity - such as road maintenance and improvements, safety activities, public transport, and cycling. I have had the chance to travel around the country attending local government Regional Transport Committee meetings to hear directly from the community on what transport issues matter to them, and what they would like to see reflected in the GPS."
Mike likes the fact that the work he does has an impact on everyday people; where he gets to play a part in getting certain policies implemented and reviewed.
"What I love the most about working at the Ministry is the people. Being a smaller Ministry means that everyone knows everyone, and you are able to build good relationships with your colleagues - including General Managers. I also help organise some of the Social Committee events for the Ministry, as well as being involved in the wider Public Sector Graduate Events Network."
"The Ministry is a perfect place to start your career. The range of work helps you develop diverse skills, and people are always happy to help. I'd encourage anyone interested in working here to apply."
Bronwyn Lauten
Senior Adviser, Road and Rail - People and Environment team
“One of the most surprising things about working here was finding I am actually really interested in transport!"
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.”
Gavin Middleton
Team Leader, Engagement and Communications team
“We’re not an old-fashioned Ministry of walk shorts and socks. I haven’t had a boring work day in three years!"
Gavin Middleton started at the Ministry in 2013 as a Senior Adviser in the Engagement and Communications team, becoming a Principal Adviser in 2014 then Team Leader in 2016.
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 Team Leader 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.”
Richard Cross
Policy Manager, Strategic Direction and Performance
“There's a real focus on professional development here. The people are supportive, smart and welcoming, and the atmosphere is very collegial.”
Richard has been at the Ministry for 7 years, where he started as an Adviser in the Aviation and Security team before he became a Senior Adviser. He then applied to be the Acting Manager for the Strategic Direction and Performance team, and is now the team's Manager.
"As a Manager, I encourage my team and make sure they are achieving what they want to achieve. My responsibilties are many and varied: I oversee development of the Ministry's strategy and provide advice to the Ministry Leadership team and the Minister on the Ministry's performance, strategic direction and work programme. Essentially, my team asks and thinks about how well we are performing. and what we should be focussing on in order to make a difference to the transport system."
Richard initially completed a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology at Otago Univeristy, before moving home to Wellington to finish a Management degree at Victoria University. His first job out of university was working for the States Services Commission. After spending some time travelling Europe, he returned to New Zealand and applied for a job here at the Ministry.
"I've had some unique opportunities at the Ministry. After the November 2016 earthqake in Kaikoura, I was called on to lead a project to develop urgent legislation to enable the road and railway line along State Highway 1 to be reinstated. This all had to be done within three weeks. It was hard work, but also very rewarding."
Richard also likes the size of the Ministry and he believes this has a positive effect on career direction: "Being in a relatively small Ministry has given me opportunities that may not happen in larger ministries, such as regularly meeting with Ministers. There are good opportunities for moving into different teams, and for internal promotion."promotion.
Richard has this advice for anyone who is thinking of applying for a job at the Ministry: "Just do it. There's a real focus on professional development here. The people are supportive, smart and welcoming, and the atmosphere is very collegial."