With only five places available on the programme every three years, places are highly sought after. It requires a large commitment by applicants with both work and study requirements. Since 2003, 40 Māori and Pacific leaders have participated in this programme.
Two decades of investment in these programmes has resulted in many senior alumni spread across MSD and other areas of the public sector.
“I completed Te Aratiatia in 2013 and it was life changing. It wasn't only about learning about people, it was about holding up a mirror and learning about myself as a leader and how to bring others on the journey with me,” says Waikato Regional Director Rauwai Herbert Johnson.
Following on from Te Aratiatia, Rauwai embarked on tertiary study and graduated in 2015 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies.
“I am now completing Te Aka Matua and working towards my Masters of Public Management. I will always attribute my success in my career and learnings to my start point, which was Te Aratiatia.”