Tui Raumata is a cross-agency Employee-led Network governance rōpū set up and supported by Te Puna Huihuinga Kaimahi, the Employee-led Network Team hosted at Te Kawa Mataaho, The Public Service Commission.
The purpose of this group is to connect cross-agency employee-led network representatives to enable communication, understanding, collaboration and partnership. This will ensure maximum opportunities to influence and impact Public Service practice and policy to create a fairer, more equitable and inclusive Public Service reflecting the communities served by employee-led network members.
Employee-led networks have existed within many Public Service agencies for some time. In more recent years, there has been an increase in the number (and visibility) of cross-agency employee-led networks. These networks aim to reflect intersectionality and encourage employee connection and collaboration across the Public Service. There are now seven established cross-agency employee-led networks that Te Puna Huihuinga Kaimahi work with closely. These include:
- Cross-agency Rainbow Network (CARN)
- Government Women's Network (GWN)
- Pacific Public Servants Network (PPSN)
- Pan Asian Public Sector Network (PAPSN)
- Public Service Futures (PSF)
- Tūhono - The Māori Public Sector Network
- We Enable Us Disability Network (WEU)
The Name
The name Tui Raumata was gifted to the rōpū of cross-agency employee-led Network leads and representatives by Tūhono kaumātua, Mohi Apou, Chief Advisor Māori, Worksafe. It is a taonga to be treasured by the rōpū.
"Tui Raumata"
Tui - to lash, to sew together, to bind
Raumata - Mesh or net
When the two words are combined it suggests a dynamic that is called "Woven Tapestry" which is a metaphorical sense for the word synergy.
In effect, it describes the intent of our group, to work in cooperation to produce a combined effort greater than the sum of our separate parts. Weaving together and collective strength. Kotahitanga.
The rōpū
Cross-Agency Rainbow Network
- Bridget Murdoch – Ministry for the Environment
- Theresa Peters – Ministry of Social Development
Government Women’s Network
- Fathima Iftikar – Ministry for the Environment
- Anita Edwards – Ministry of Justice
- COL Karyn Thompson – NZDF
Pan-Asian Public Servants’ Network
- Gordon Tan – Treasury
- Farhat Shaikh – NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Pacific Public Servants’ Network
- Helen Karati – Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
- Simi Finau – Ministry of Social Development
Public Service Futures’ Network
- Hana Wong – Ministry of Health
- Alex Williams – Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
Tūhono
- Karaitiana Wilson – NZTA
- Rachael Thwaites – Te Tumu Paeroa - Office of the Māori Trustee
We Enable Us
- Rawa Karetai – Whaikaha (MoDP)
- Karen Davidson – Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities
The objectives
- Connect cross-agency employee-led network representatives
- Demonstrate commitment to Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles
- Raise the profile of cross-agency employee-led networks to increase awareness of their mahi and understanding of how they contribute to positive systems change across the Public Service
- Identify and address common challenges and opportunities impacting cross-agency networks and their members
- Maintain oversight of Public Service systems-wide initiatives and changes impacting on cross-agency networks and their members
- Enable cross-agency employee-led network leads to be involved in and/or provide expert advice for public policy and practice decision-making
- Escalate and request support for cross-agency employee-led network initiatives, including where additional resources are required