Andrew Ma’u

Malo e lelei, my name is Andrew Ma’u, I’m a new Zealand born full Tongan raised in East Auckland. My parents are from the beautiful villages of Maufanga Tongatapu, Nukunuku, Tongatapu; and Masilamea, Neiafu, Vava’u.

I have just completed my Bachelor of Laws. After a total of 8 years of studying, I have finished a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Criminology and Sociology, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and a Bachelor of Laws. I met my now wife, Iloga in my first year of university and we now have twin girls Iris and Irina who are half Tongan half Samoan.

I draw inspiration from many people throughout my life. From the hard work of my parents growing up to ensure there was food on the table and a roof over my head, to those who have and continue to believe in me and support me. I’m inspired by everyone I cross paths with in one way or another.

Although I grew up going to a Tongan church, I went to schools that were palagi dominated which kind of prepared me for university in being the minority. But it didn’t help that I was one of the few Pasifika from my school that went on to university.

I found out quite quickly that university is a lot different to high school. I was the first in my family to make it to university and I struggled. I failed getting into law school in my first year. So I decided to finish my Arts degree and it wasn’t until then, while completing my Honours, that I tried again and succeeded.

The Tupu Tai information session and Tupu Tai Talanoa session with Leilani Tamu (Policy Director, MBIE) really opened my eyes to the possibilities of working in the public sector and made me realise that I wasn’t alone. The similarities of Leilani’s journey to my own in a way sparked something inside me to keep pushing through.

I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Through the Tupu Tai information session, Pepe Afeaki from the CDES Māori and Pacific team helped me apply. Unfortunately, I did not get in the first time, which was a blessing itself because my girls were born in September 2021 and we had spent about a month in NICU. So, I got on with things, and connected with Pepe again as I was nearly finished with my studies. She had asked whether I would be interested in applying again. She put me in touch with Sela Pole-Fehoko (another member of the CDES Māori and Pacific team) who helped with my CV and cover letter as well as always checked in to see how I was doing.

It’s quite funny how life works itself out, even when I applied the second time for the 2022/2023 cohort, I was unsuccessful. It wasn’t until the Kiritaki Centricity team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) approached Tupu Tai and were interested in having an intern that Paula Fakalata (the Tupu Tai Programme Lead) reached out to Pepe to see if I was a good fit. The rest is history. 

My Tupu Tai interviews were miles apart in every aspect. The first time I applied, I was so nervous I felt like it wouldn’t end. The process was a weird one because it had been the first time I had been asked so many times around the same key competency where they asked for different examples each time. The second time I applied was the total opposite. I was less nervous because I had all the examples I could think of. Except this time, I was asked five questions in one.

If it had not been for Pepe, Sela and the services CDES offers, I would not be working in the public sector today. Because of the opportunities that have come from CDES’ help, I have relocated to Wellington where I will now be living and building a future for my girls. I have been extended on a 6-month fixed term as a Business Adviser in the Kiritaki Centricity team at MBIE.

The Kiritaki Centricity team was created to facilitate, support and guide teams across MBIE on how they can take a more customer-centric approach to their mahi. At the forefront it’s about understanding and connecting our mahi to be centred around people. The team is amazing because they have diverse backgrounds, diverse perspectives and diverse skillsets that complement each other.

I am able to do my Professional Legal Studies Course (Profs) while working, as learning and career development is encouraged at MBIE. Before my girls were born, I always had the aspiration of being a lawyer. But working in the public sector, I value the quality time I am able to spend with them. Whether I go into practicing law or whether I stay in the public sector, who knows what the future holds for me.