Maudie Johnson-Hunter takes out IPANZ Public Administration Prize

Maudie Johnson-Hunter is the winner of the IPANZ Public Administration Prize 2018 for top marks in a Public Management paper as part of her BCom at Victoria University of Wellington.

However, completing her degree was just the start for Maudie. She did an internship last summer at the Department of Corrections, helping develop a set of standards for inspecting prisons and specific standards for the treatment of women and transgender people in prison.

“The internship was a fantastic experience, being exposed to different parts of the business; it set me up so well and my manager was very supportive.”

She successfully applied for a Policy Advisor role at Corrections – a big step for a graduate – and says she’s fitted in really well in a supportive environment.

“My degree, majoring in public policy combined with marketing, has been useful for my work. In writing briefings to ministers, I know how to be clear and use key messages.”

She began her studies doing German and international business, then developed a passion for development policy so decided to major in public policy.

After a trip to India early next year, it’ll be back to the books. Maudie’s returning to Victoria to study the one-year Master in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (MPPE). This is the second year it’s been offered at Victoria, the only New Zealand university to do so.

“I’m proud of how things have gone for me. I decided to do my Masters for my personal and professional development, though I can see myself back in the public sector in the future.”