Empowering graduates for a successful career
Help to overcome challenges, continued support from government agencies who host graduates, as well as mentors and peers are the key takeaways participants of the New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP) Graduate Programme praise the programme for.
Expert Procurement Solutions New Zealand Director Andrew McLean, graduate programme manager Estelle Currin, Ash Hart and Blaire Hanna.
Graduates from the 2023 cohort, Wellington’s Ashleigh Hart and Dunedin’s Blaire Hanna are proud to have completed the programme.
Ashleigh said the programme was worthwhile and opened doors for upskilling.
“Alongside the procurement skills and experience I gained, and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) diploma, the most valuable experience I got out of the programme were the connections I've made across the public sector and the wider New Zealand procurement network.
“I gained an understanding and an appreciation of the importance of the procurement rules, the process, and internal organisations' policies, which safeguard the spending of public money.”
The programme strengthens a new generation of New Zealand procurement practitioners and their approaches when spending public money, Ashleigh says.
Participants are offered a variety of placements in several government agencies in Wellington and Auckland to learn and gain an appreciation for what they can achieve.
“I had never even heard of procurement as a profession until a CIPS presentation at uni during my final year.
“Starting the programme, I had no idea what my day-to-day was going to look like. Not only was procurement completely new to me, but so was the office environment and working full-time at a desk job. That unfamiliarity was a bit daunting at the start. The procurement challenges, of course, came in due course, and I quickly learnt problem-solving was something I enjoyed most about the profession.”
Ashleigh’s next goal is to make a success of her role as a supplier relationship manager (SRM).
“SRM was something I had as a long-term goal. Now I have the opportunity to develop in this role so early in my career, my aim is to enjoy the journey, learn as much as I can, and develop my relationship skills further.”
Blaire Hanna is in London to see what international experiences in procurement are like. She joined the programme to get exposure to procurement as a profession and to experience what it was like working in a government agency.
The Dunedin local got to see the different stages of procurement cycles and how they all worked together as cogs in a bigger machine.
The best part of the programme for Blaire was being able to connect with people.
“I now know so many people within the procurement profession who I know are always there to offer support. I look forward to seeing them when I eventually come back to New Zealand shores.”
Blaire credits the programme with helping overcome real obstacles.
“Imposter syndrome was ever present during my time in the programme. A lot of the times I didn’t feel as if I was as smart as some of the other graduates, or felt like they were learning faster or more than I was. It definitely challenged my confidence a bit.”
The programme enabled Blaire to reach out to mentors, former graduates, and work colleagues who helped her pass hurdles.
“I learned, and this is a lesson for everyone, not to compare myself too much to other graduates. We all bring different things to the table and to be proud of what you can do. It's not a race and we all develop in different areas at different times.”
Blaire’s advice for anyone considering applying for a place in the programme is to go for it and view it as a great opportunity to build their own network.
“These people will always want to help you during your career. The programme is what you make it. Put yourself out there, ask lots of questions – any type of opportunity is learning!
“Don't put too much pressure on yourself to have it all worked out, the programme is designed to guide you over 2 years – you don't need to be a procurement whiz 3 months in.”
Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in mid 2025.
The NZGP Graduate Programme develops tomorrow’s procurement leaders.
For more information about how to become an agency that can host graduates email the Graduate Programme Manager.
The New Zealand Government Procurement Graduate Programme provides a fantastic opportunity for your organisation to foster and grow talent and support development.