Based in our National Office in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Logan Pryde was one of 20 interns in the latest cohort.  

Logan says he has always wanted to work in the public service, so he jumped at the opportunity to apply last year.  

"During my studies, my research interest has always been around self-determination and a person’s political status - aka Tino Rangatiratanga. So naturally, Te Puni Kōkiri was a perfect fit!”  

Logan was placed in our Strategy and Performance team where he worked on a range of kaupapa.  

“My favourite project was a review and summary of all the Te Puni Kōkiri statement of intent reports, as well as those from other ministries.” 

Logans says by stepping out of his comfort zone and exploring new possibilities, he discovered new avenues of mahi he could consider in the future. 

“I had never considered strategy-orientated work before, but it’s quite a natural fit for me, and I really enjoyed it. 

“For me, the best part of the internship was getting to see what goes on inside a ministry, the behind-the-scenes stuff. I gained so much knowledge through reading materials and being able to be a fly on the wall to some incredibly insightful and important discussions,” Logan says.  

Although it can be nerve-wracking coming into a new environment and workplace, Logan says - “my team welcomed me with so much aroha and manaakitanga that I quickly felt confident and comfortable.”  

Logan has entered his fourth year of university - studying politics, policy, and international relations. Through his time at Te Puni Kōkiri, Logan says he has expanded his perspectives and knowledge on how government functions and on workplace relations and management, alongside getting the knack of distilling large amounts of information into concise and easily presentable documents.  

His final word to any future interns: 

“Say yes to as many opportunities as you can, whether it's something extracurricular, or an area of work that you have little experience in. It will all end up benefiting you hugely and will give you more from your time at Te Puni Kōkiri.”