NZ Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi Reviews

I know there are great opportunities to grow in the organisation and there are so many avenues to explore due to being in this graduate programme.

The environment is a big consideration when projects are undertaken. We are under the scrutiny of the whole of New Zealand since spending does come from taxpayers' money. More is being done now to improve relationships with tangata whenua and understand climate change.

it is easy to get along with everyone. no matter what their job title. To make improvements and initiatives working together is the most important factor.

I think we do well to celebrate diversity, including through recognising and acknowledging weeks/celebrations e.g. LGBTQ+ history month. We also have employee networks for women, the rainbow community, the reo Māori learning

Every day is truly different, some days I am writing up a PowerPoint, others I'm in meetings all days. Some times I am even just sitting and reading up everything that I need to learn. I keep a goals and work plan close by so that I can just track my progress so I try every week to update that too.

My manager spends a lot of time with me to ensure I get the most out of the EP programme. There are regular check-ins and meetings to discuss growth. They have made the effort to link workshops and online courses out of their work time for me to do. They welcome regular communication and it is easy to send a message or email to ask for help.

The Auckland is office is centrally-located and right next to the waterfront. The offices are tidy and modern, with good kitchen spaces. We had modern showers, bike storage and a pool table. The dress code is smart casual, and we have casual Fridays.

After submitting my CV and Cover Letter, I went through many different assessments, such as a psychometric test, a one-way interview where you record and submit answers and an interview conducted online.

Fairly compensated for my experience

Lots of opportunities for training and development and we are actively encouraged to take these up. I have completed Te Reo courses, design thinking workshops, and courses on giving and receiving feedback.

We have a hybrid working arrangement so we are free to work from home or from the office as much as we want. There is great flexibility with hours as well, you are not expected to be at work 9-5. Lots of flexibility around start and finish times. You just need to chat with your manager and find a solution that will work for both of you.

Waka Kotahi has a big role to play in the Carbon Neutral Government Programme. Reducing corporate and non-corporate greenhouse gas emissions is a major focus for us, and this involves reducing vehicle kilometers travelled, supporting public transport, encouraging walking/cycling. We also have significant responsibilities under the government's emissions reduction plan.