Tile 198
Justine Roberts
School Select your school
Kia ora! As you can imagine, a lot has happened in life since my wall tile was made. I'll briefly share some of my journey here but please feel free to keep in touch with me via facebook or instagram.
My school years were in Gizzy (Gisborne Central School - where I made this tile! - Gisborne Intermediate and Gisborne Girls' High School). I was into everything from drama to music to netball and was privileged in my final year, 2008, to be Head Prefect and Dux.
In 2009, I moved to Wellington and have largely been based here ever since. In 2014, I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and International Relations) from Victoria University, and was Admitted to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor. Despite the legal background, I found my calling in the public service and have mainly worked in policy roles since graduating.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I worked in various teams (security, Pacific, and trade), as well as completing several short term offshore assignments at New Zealand's High Commission in Suva and Consulate General in Honolulu.
I was also seconded to Parliament to work in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs as a Private Secretary, acting as a liaison between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Minister. During my time there, 2016 - 2018, I worked for Hon Murray McCully, Hon Gerry Brownlee and Rt. Hon Winston Peters.
After five and a half years working on foreign affairs and trade issues, I decided to move to my current role in July of 2019. I'm now working in the policy team of the New Zealand Space Agency, as a Senior Advisor. The Space Agency is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and is the lead government agency for space policy, regulation and sector development.
Apart from work, I continue to be involved in a wide range of voluntary roles including as a member of the:
- Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network;
- Community Engagement team at the Wellington SPCA;
- Wellington Community Law Centre; and
- Victoria University Alumni as Mentors Programme.
My hobbies include painting and photography, violin playing (orchestral involvement), sports (distance running, netball and ultimate frisbee), and multi-day hiking when I can around New Zealand.
I travel frequently, but regularly return to Gizzy to visit family and friends. It's definitely still my main home base.