Deb Te Kawa

What are you currently studying towards?

I’m pursing a PhD in Political Science at UC. I study part-time alongside running my own public policy consultancy.

Tell us about your PhD topic.

My research is focused on the concept of "free and frank advice" in Aotearoa New Zealand. I explore it as a constitutional practice grounded in agonistic democratic theory, examining how advice functions in real-world governance through interviews with senior public servants, ministers, and advisors. The aim is to rethink how we understand advisory relationships and to offer a robust theoretical framework that is historically grounded and fit for pluralistic democratic settings.

What does your current role entail, and what do you enjoy about it?

I’m the Principal and Managing Director of DTK and Associates. I work with clients across Aotearoa, Australia, and the Pacific. The work is varied, demanding, and full of purpose. Whether I’m helping design a new social policy initiative, conducting a regulatory review, or supporting governance training, it’s all grounded in making systems work better for people. I love that I get to mix in academic thinking with practical change.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

I’d like to publish from my PhD and continue contributing to both academic and practitioner conversations on public service and governance. I’m also keen to do more mentoring and possibly support the development of kaupapa Māori approaches to public administration.

Is there anything that really stands out to you about your time at UC?

The collaborative environment of our postgraduate wānanga. It's a space where rigorous academic thinking meets relational and practical learning. Sharing research progress, testing ideas, and learning from others' methods has shaped not only my thesis but also my approach to academic work. It has also informed how I work with and advise my clients.

Tell us about an achievement that makes you proud.

Being able to teach and learn from the next generation of policy professionals while completing my own research is something I take great pride in. I’ve been able to translate complex theory into real-world tools for practice, and that's helped me bridge academic and professional worlds.

What’s been your biggest challenge or learning experience?

Learning how to let go of perfection and keep moving forward has been key. PhD work invites deep reflection, but it can also become paralysing. I’ve had to learn how to hold complexity without losing momentum. I’ve also learned to write in my own voice, rather than mimicking what I think academics and clients want to hear. Together these are both the two biggest challenges and biggest learning experiences.

Have you got any advice for others considering diving into postgraduate study or research?

Do it. But make sure your question matters to you. Not just in an abstract academic way, but in a personal, political, or professional sense. You’ll be spending years with it. Also, find your people early. Post graduate study is not a solo sport. It’s takes a community of like-minded and independent thinking people.

Is there a particular experience or opportunity that shaped your career and study ambitions?

My early work experience in Parliament and government agencies was invaluable. I learned how systems really work, not just how they're supposed to work. It taught me the importance of relationships, timing, and political context in everything we do. That has helped focus and progress my doctoral study.

What is one of the most valuable things you’ve learned?

I’ve learned that good policy and good research both start with good questions. And the best questions usually come from real-world frustration. Don’t be afraid to start there.