NZ govt welcomes digital graduates

New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has welcomed the first batch of graduates participating in the GovTech Talent Graduate Programme, a cross-agency pilot to build the NZ government’s information, technology and digital talent pipeline.

“I’m pleased to welcome the first intake of graduates for the GovTech Talent Programme,” said Tim Occleshaw, the Government Chief Technology Officer.

“This is an excellent opportunity for today’s best and brightest graduates to help shape a new way of working for and with government.”

The 15 successful graduates come from a wide range of disciplines including engineering, information management, law, linguistics, arts, computer studies and genetics.

“We have an impressive line-up of talented graduates,” said Occleshaw.

“It’s fantastic that they’re starting their careers on this track, and I’m excited by what the future holds for everyone involved in the programme.”

Over the next two years, the graduates will spend eight months each in three participating government agencies and will be offered opportunities to develop their skills and harness their potential as tomorrow’s information, technology and digital leaders.

DIA is leading the GovTech Talent Graduate Programme, which is a key component of the Government ICT Strategy’s leadership focus area and part of the Government Chief Information Officer’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation across the public sector.

DIA co-designed the programme with six other government agencies: Inland Revenue; Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Primary Industries; NZ Transport Agency; and Statistics New Zealand.

“I’d like to acknowledge our partner agencies which co-designed and supported GovTech,” said Occleshaw.

“It’s great to work closely with them to play our part not just in responding but in leading change in a rapidly evolving environment.”

Image courtesy DIA.

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