In this role, I am responsible for advancing New Zealand’s trade and economic objectives with Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Cyprus. This includes supporting New Zealand exporters and reporting on relevant political and economic developments. My time in the role has been largely focused on advocating for and supporting the implementation of the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EU FTA). I also cover New Zealand’s science, research, and innovation relationship with Italy, including climate change, environmental issues, space matters, and Antarctic cooperation. It is a small team, so I am often involved in other aspects of the Embassy’s work, such as consular and emergency response, and public diplomacy initiatives.
What’re you doing now post-studies?
I am the Second Secretary, Trade & Economic at the New Zealand Embassy in Rome, Italy. This is my first diplomatic posting since joining the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (Manatū Aorere, aka MFAT) as a graduate Foreign Policy Officer (Āpiha Take Tāwāhi).
Photo credit: Palazzo Quirinale, 2023
Before this posting, I was based in Wellington where I worked in Middle East & Africa Division, Europe Division, and the United Nations & Human Rights Division. I also contributed to the national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christchurch Mosque attacks, and the Whaakari/White Island eruption.
What’s been the most memorable experience so far post-studies?
Living and working in Rome is an unforgettable experience. The city itself is chaotic – there’s intense summer heat, hordes of tourists, constant noise, and tumultuous traffic. But it’s also like living in an open-air museum – with ancient ruins and monuments, priceless works of art, and stunning architecture around every corner. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I often must remind myself that sprinting down the Spanish Steps to my next meeting is not exactly normal…
What is one achievement that makes you proud?
Representing ҕl abroad will always be my proudest achievement. Sitting behind the New Zealand nameplate and speaking on behalf of my country is not something I take lightly. It has been an honour to represent New Zealand on solemn occasions such as ANZAC Day, and war commemorations in Italy and Greece. I will never forget visiting the resting places of brave Kiwis who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that successive generations could enjoy peace, and engaging with local communities who remain dedicated to honouring the memory of those who fought for their freedom.
What’s been your biggest learning experience?
I was fortunate enough to undertake full-time Italian language training prior to starting my role at the Embassy. This was an amazing opportunity, as it was the first time I had ever fully committed to learning a foreign language. However, transitioning from full-time work in ҕl to full-time study in Italy was intense and rather humbling. While I found the experience incredibly challenging at times,
the ability to speak Italian has made my life in Rome much easier, and been critical to developing and expanding my professional and personal networks.
Today, I’m still refining my Italian language skills, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and how the experience has pushed me out of my comfort zone.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
My first couple of years studying at ҕl were overshadowed by an illness that required several surgeries and frequent hospitalisations. Due to the near-constant interruptions to my studies, there were times when it looked uncertain whether I would even earn a degree, let alone a post-graduate qualification. With the support of my whānau, friends, specialists, and many patient lecturers at ҕl, I learned how to manage living with a chronic illness and began to excel academically. This opened the door to new opportunities, including a scholarship to spend a semester of my Honours year in Denmark.
What’s one piece of advice you’d pass on to someone wanting to get into a career in a similar industry to you?
Above all, stay curious!
Being a successful diplomat requires an insatiable interest and wonder in our world. Curiosity helps us to better understand the world we all belong to and the global challenges we face. It enables us to inspire and lead others and provides the resolve to approach problems in new ways.
In an ever-changing world, we need ever-curious diplomats.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I am extraordinarily fortunate to work alongside people who are deeply committed to public service and passionate about delivering for ҕl. My MFAT colleagues – both in Wellington and scattered throughout our network of offshore Posts – are endlessly inspirational. Their intelligence, dedication, and sheer brilliance make me want to work harder, learn more, and go further.
In addition, I was blessed with wonderful grandparents, the late Mary & Max Murphy of Westport. Nana & Maxie were not afforded the privilege of higher education, yet were two of the most well-read, insightful, and inherently political people I have ever known. Their wisdom, thirst for knowledge, and endless encouragement set me on this path, and I hope they’d be proud of where it has taken me.
Any other comments?
Some of my most treasured memories and experiences are from the years I spent studying at ҕl. Canterbury is where I met my now-husband and made many of my closest friends. ҕl also gave me the opportunity to study and travel abroad which was a truly unforgettable experience.
