university of auckland phd public policy

Public Policy Institute Team

Professor Jennifer Curtin – Director

Jennifer is a Professor of Politics and the Director of the Public Policy Institute. Her research focuses on Australian and New Zealand politics and policy, gender, policy analysis and political leadership and involves engagement with a range of government agencies, policy consultancies and non-profit organisations. Jennifer teaches comparative public policy, lesson drawing and gender analysis in the Master of Public Policy and she is the PhD Adviser for Public Policy. Jennifer publishes in scholarly outlets, peer-reviewed reports, and policy briefings and regularly shares her findings with national and international organisations and the media. Jennifer leads externally funded projects on Gender Responsive Budgeting, the Gendered Effects of COVID19, Gender and Political Leadership at the Subnational Level in Australia and Canada, and is a Principal Investigator on the New Zealand Election Study.

Dr Suzanne Woodward

Associate Director Research Impact Knowledge Translation Specialist [email protected]

Suzanne’s work has a strong social focus in terms of equity and research impact through partner engagement and knowledge mobilisation. She works directly with marginalised communities to improve their wellbeing. Her work also produces recommendations for improved policies and procedures in a range of areas, including social justice, infrastructure, health and technology. As part of the Public Policy Institute, she also works with a number of research collaborators on environmental, health and technology policy and implementation, most recently on a project about Kaumātua and intergenerational homes.

Dr  Timothy Fadgen

Associate Director Postgraduate Programmes [email protected]

Tim is a Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations and Programme Director of Master of Public Policy. Tim’s research has explored public policy and law in the areas of mental health and disability, immigration, deportation and asylum policy. Tim’s current research considers aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand’s immigration policy and how legal practitioners use the law to advocate for client’s facing deportation. Tim is a former Fulbright (Public Policy) Fellow and Mellon Foundation/American Council of Learned Societies postdoctoral fellow. He practiced law in the United States, American Samoa and Samoa, including handling immigration and asylum claims, is a member of the Maine bar (USA) and is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.

Research Co-ordinator [email protected]

Adam has worked at the University as an administrator for over 20 years and for the PPI since 2021. He has a BA Hons in History from UCL and a Diploma in Management from Birkbeck College at the University of London. Prior to coming to NZ, he had roles in the Health Service  and Central and Local Government in the United Kingdom.

Victoria Woodman

Research Analyst [email protected]

Victoria is a research analyst for the PPI, with research focused on gender and representation, political discourse and policy studies. Victoria is a graduate teaching assistant for the Master of Public Policy and is currently completing her PhD at the University of Auckland. 

Dr   Komathi   Kolandai

Research Fellow [email protected]

Dr Komathi Kolandai (Komie) has over 12 years of post-PhD research experience in multiple disciplines. She is presently involved in several research projects at the Public Policy Institute and COMPASS Research Centre, including the gendered impact of COVID-19, gendering wellbeing indicators, gender-responsive analysis and budgeting, COVID-related environmental attitudes, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19 vaccination policies, and international equity in COVID-19 vaccine distribution. She is also collaborating with researchers from the Queensland University of Technology and Victoria University of Wellington on a study focused on media framing and coverage of the underlying causes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Komie has a long-standing commitment to conservation and substantial paid and voluntary work experiences in the environmental and sustainability fields. Prior to academic roles, she was the coordinator of an award-winning World Wide Fund for Nature ecological education project in Malaysia. She was also involved in multiple environmental and social advocacy campaigns, international lobbying, and policy advocacy work with the Pesticide Action Network. Her transdisciplinary research outputs include solutions for sustainability based on the integration of knowledge from community stakeholders, non-academic participants, ecological sciences, and social sciences (including media, communication, and social psychology).

Dr   Mohammad   Salimifar

Lecturer in Public Policy [email protected]

Mohammad is a lecturer at the Public Policy Institute, University of Auckland. He joined the institute in 2020 and since then has been involved in teaching (economics of public policy – POLICY 702 and 743) and supervising dissertations for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme. Mohammad obtained his PhD in Economics from the University of Auckland, where he was awarded MSA and EETNZ doctoral scholarships for his thesis, “Institutions and the Environment”. Mohammad holds a BSc in Business Economics and MA in Economic Development and Planning, and has teaching and research experience in the Department of Economics and Graduate School of Management (University of Auckland). His research interest is in environmental economics with a focus on cross-country empirical analysis.

Dr Oluwakemi Temitope Igiebor

Research Fellow [email protected]

A Research Fellow and lecturer for the Master of Public Policy, Kemi holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Prior to her doctoral studies, Kemi lectured at the Department of Public Administration, Adeleke University, Nigeria, where she taught public policy, research methods, organisational management, and public administration courses. Kemi’s research interests span policy analysis, gender, feminist institutionalism, higher education administration and leadership, organisational management, workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.

Holly Willson

Knowledge Translation Assistant [email protected]

Holly is a Knowledge Translation Assistant at the Public Policy Institute and graduate teaching assistant in comparative policy for the Master of Public Policy. Holly is currently completing her thesis for the Master of Public Policy at the University of Auckland on single-parent families and a wellbeing approach to budgeting in New Zealand policy.

Udari Herath

Research Assistant [email protected]

Udari is a fifth-year law student studying a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Arts majoring in Sociology and Politics. She joined the Public Policy Institute in 2020 through a Summer Research Scholarship. Udari worked with Jennifer Curtin and Sarah Bickerton on the “Ready to Run” project and has since worked as a Research Assistant. 

Ashton Mismash

Policy Short Course Technical Advisor [email protected]

Ashton is an international student from the United States. Ashton has bachelor’s degrees in communication and political science, and recently graduated from the Masters of Public Policy program at the University of Auckland, and is currently a graduate teaching assistant in the Master of Public Policy program. At the Public Policy Institute Ashton works with lecturers and scholars to deliver online teaching content for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ensuring a smooth online learning experience with University systems.

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Courses - Faculty of Arts

Public policy, postgraduate 700 level courses.

Special Topic: Statistics and Data Analysis

Restriction: POLICY 742, 769, POLITICS 769

Policy Analysis and Evaluation

Provides a solid practical and theoretical basis for public policy analysis. Examines criteria for effective policy-making as well as competing models of the policy process. Concepts and approaches covered include: problem definition, writing policy briefs, project implementation, reflexive policy-making, cost-benefit and impact analysis. Students will use these concepts and methods to explore substantive topics of their choice.

Restriction: POLITICS 748

Economics of Policy

Applies economic reasoning to current problems in policy and government. Covers fundamentals of market economy, competition policy, welfare and taxation, market failure, problems of collective choice, growth and development, the structure of the macroeconomic system, and the role of public finance agencies in the management of the economy.

Restriction: POLICY 743

Applied Policy Project

Supervised project on an applied policy topic agreed between the student and a nominated supervisor. Students will produce a project proposal, progress report, dissemination plan, final report, and reflective comments.

Prerequisite: POLICY 701 or 769

Restriction: POLITICS 737, 774

Policy Design, Analysis and Implementation

Provides a critical overview of the policy process including problem definition, co-design as well as focusing on a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to policy analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, regulatory impact analysis and gender and diversity impact assessments.

Restriction: POLICY 701

Government and Policy: New Zealand Compared

Examines New Zealand's machinery of government at both central and local level. Analyses the relative impact of institutions, interests and ideas on public policy outcomes in New Zealand and internationally. Applies these understandings to the methods and processes associated with policy transfer and lesson drawing cross-nationally.

Restriction: POLITICS 756, 757

Statistics and Data Analysis for Policy

Provides the fundamentals of statistical analysis and examines the use of different types of data used in evidence-based policy making, as well as the issues associated with the advent, use and governance of big data. Covers research design choices and quantitative methods for policy analysis.

Restriction: POLICY 769, POLITICS 769

Economics, Budgets and Bureaucrats

Applies key concepts and tools of economic analysis to contemporary policy problems. Focuses on the allocation of the economy’s resources, the budget process and the role of public finance agencies, rationales for government intervention in a market economy, and the impact of expenditure and taxation on the economy and citizens’ wellbeing.

Restriction: POLICY 702

Policy in Practice

Provides a practical opportunity for participants to work with a policy agency in an advisory capacity to develop evidence-informed recommendations addressing a complex policy problem. Engages students in a team-based exercise that applies the knowledge and skills gained from completing the core courses in a way that informs “real world” policy decisions.

Prerequisite: POLICY 740-743

Restriction: POLICY 737, POLITICS 774

Research Project - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 790 A and B, or POLICY 790

Dissertation - Level 9

Develops students' ability to design and undertake a policy-related research project under supervision and to present a written report of 15,000 words.

Prerequisite: POLICY 742

Restriction: POLICY 793

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 792 A and B, or POLICY 792

Restriction: POLICY 792

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 793 A and B, or POLICY 793

Thesis - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in POLICY 794 A and B

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Master of Public Policy

City campus, auckland, new zealand, 12 months program duration, 41,180 nzd tuition fee/year, 04 jul, 2024 application deadline, yes scholarships, program overview, main subject.

Public Policy

Study Level

The MPP develops your expertise in the core principles, concepts and methods of public policy research and analysis, and advances your skills in solving public policy problems.

You can connect theory with practice by studying the nature of policy, policy design and the policy process, and engaging in policy analysis and development.

You’ll be able to follow your own interests through research and elective courses. You can apply to enrol in our internship course for hands-on experience in policy.

Admission requirements

Exam scores, important dates.

You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant discipline with GPA of 5 or higher.

Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition fee, scholarships, domestic students, international students.

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

More programs from the university

Bachelor ug.

Study options

The University of Auckland offers an impressive range of study options with more than 120 different undergraduate subjects across eight faculties:

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Conjoint degrees are also offered where undergraduate students can study for two degrees at the same time and complete these in a shorter timeframe than if studied individually.  

Research-led teaching

As New Zealand's largest research organisation with more than 12,000 staff and postgraduate students involved in fundamental and applied research, teaching and learning is informed by the latest research enabling undergraduates to benefit from this first-rate research reputation.

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We provide extensive facilities, services and support for all students including academic learning support, accommodation options, scholarships, counselling, sport and recreation facilities and many on-campus events.

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Bachelor of architectural studies, bachelor of dance studies, bachelor of dance studies (honours), bachelor of design, bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of music, bachelor of music (honours), bachelor of urban planning (honours), business and management (7), bachelor of commerce, bachelor of commerce (honours), engineering and technology (7), bachelor of engineering (honours), life sciences and medicine (7), bachelor of biomedical science (honours), bachelor of health sciences, bachelor of health sciences (honours), bachelor of medical imaging (honours), bachelor of medical science (honours), bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery, bachelor of nursing, bachelor of nursing (honours), bachelor of optometry, bachelor of pharmacy, bachelor of pharmacy (honours), natural sciences (7), bachelor of advanced science (honours), bachelor of science, bachelor of science (honours), bachelor of fine arts (honours), social sciences and management (7), bachelor of arts, bachelor of arts (honours), bachelor of communication, bachelor of early childhood studies, bachelor of education (teaching english to speakers of other languages), bachelor of education (teaching), bachelor of education (teaching) (honours), bachelor of global studies, bachelor of laws, bachelor of laws (honours), bachelor of property, bachelor of social work, bachelor of social work (honours), bachelor of sport, health and physical education.

The University of Auckland offers an impressive range of study options with 130 postgraduate programmes across eight faculties and two large-scale research institutes.

Under a New Zealand Government scheme, new international PhD students usually pay the same annual tuition fees as New Zealand students.

A reputation for research excellence

As New Zealand's largest research organisation with more than 12,000 staff and students involved in fundamental and applied research, postgraduate students have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with outstanding academics. The University is a research-intensive university that has research strengths in both traditional disciplines and emerging cross-disciplinary subjects. 

We are the only New Zealand university that has both Engineering and Medical and Health Sciences faculties. This has enabled pioneering collaborations between medical and engineering researchers and resulted in the creation of the flagship Bioengineering Institute, internationally recognised for its sophisticated computer modelling of living organisms.

We provide extensive facilities, services and support   for all students including academic learning support, accommodation options, scholarships, counselling, sport and recreation facilities and many on-campus events.

Master of Architecture

Master of architecture (professional), master of architecture (professional) and heritage conservation, master of architecture (professional) and housing studies, master of architecture (professional) and urban design, master of architecture (professional) and urban planning (professional), master of arts, master of community dance, master of creative writing, master of dance movement therapy, master of dance studies, master of design, master of fine arts, master of heritage conservation, master of housing studies, master of literature, master of music, master of urban design, master of urban planning, master of urban planning (professional), master of urban planning (professional) and heritage conservation, master of urban planning (professional) and urban design, master of business analytics, master of business development, master of business management, master of commerce, master of data science, master of information governance, master of management, master of professional accounting, master of professional studies, master of aerospace engineering, master of earthquake engineering, master of engineering, master of engineering management, master of engineering project management, master of engineering studies, master of information technology, master of infrastructure asset management, master of materials engineering, master of robotics and automation engineering, master of audiology, master of biomedical science, master of bioscience enterprise, master of biotechnology, master of clinical education, master of clinical pharmacy, master of counselling, master of ecology, master of health leadership, master of health practice, master of health psychology, master of health sciences, master of medical engineering, master of nursing, master of nursing practice, master of nursing science, master of organisational psychology, master of physiotherapy practice, master of science, master of speech language therapy practice, master of wine science, master of chemistry, master of energy, master of engineering geology, master of environmental science, master of food science, master of marine conservation, master of marine studies, master of mathematical modelling, master of commercialisation and entrepreneurship, master of teaching (primary), master of conflict and terrorism studies, master of education, master of education practice, master of educational leadership, master of global studies, master of higher education, master of indigenous studies, master of laws, master of legal studies, master of operations research and analytics, master of property practice, master of public health, master of social work, master of social work (professional), master of social and community leadership, master of taxation studies, master of teaching english to speakers of other languages, online/distance mba (1), master of business administration, arts and humanities (3), doctor of fine arts, doctor of philosophy, life sciences and medicine (3), doctor of clinical psychology, doctor of health sciences, doctor of medicine, social sciences and management (3), doctor of education.

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University of Auckland

• Courses 167

Master of Public Policy

Masters (Coursework)

Key details

About this course, study locations, course structure.

The MPP is available as either a taught or research masters, with 180-point or 120-point options, depending on your entry qualification and whether you would like to write a thesis.

Taught (180 point)

• Enter from an undergraduate qualification
• Three semesters full-time or up to twelve semesters part-time
• Four core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, comparative public policy and advanced research skills (75 points)
• Dissertation (45 points)
• Elective courses (60 points) OR 135 points from POLICY 740-744 and Dissertation (45 points)

Research (180 point)

• Three semesters full-time or up to six semesters part-time
• Five core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design, comparative public policy and advanced research skills (90 points)
• Thesis (90 points)
• Elective course (15 points)

Research (120 point)

• Enter from a postgraduate qualification
• One year full-time or up to two years part-time
• Two core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design, comparative public policy or advanced research skills (30 points)

Taught (120 point)

• One year full-time or up to four years part-time
• Four core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design and comparative public policy (75 points)
• A 45 point dissertation

You should complete your core courses before you start your dissertation. You can find the requirements for your study in the MPP Schedule , and take a look at our postgraduate courses in Public Policy .

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)

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POLICY 701 : Policy Analysis and Evaluation

2022 semester one (1223) (15 points), course prescription, course overview.

What makes some government actions more effective than others? Who sets the policy agenda and who bears the costs of implementation? How neutral are analysts and the tools they use? These core questions set the foundation for POLICY 701. The course provides participants with a solid practical and theoretical basis for public policy analysis. It examines criteria for effective policy as well as competing models of the policy process. Topics include: problem definition, policy briefs, ethics and public policy, reflexive policy-making, cost-benefit and impact analysis. It serves as both a BA Honours level course in Politics and International Relations and as a core course for the Master of Public Policy degree. As such, it will be useful for those considering a career in government or academic research as well as those interested in developing applied research skills for journalism or business.

Course Requirements

Capabilities developed in this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse public policies from a range of perspectives. (Capability 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 4.2, 5.2 and 6.1)
• Evaluate public policies from different perspectives. (Capability 1.2, 2.3 and 3.1)
• Be able to write a policy brief. (Capability 1.1, 1.3, 2.3, 4.2, 4.3 and 5.2)
• Demonstrate an ability to communicate policy ideas to an audience. (Capability 1.2, 2.3, 3.1, 4.3, 5.1, 6.1 and 6.2)

Assessments

Next offered

Workload expectations.

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

Delivery Mode

Campus experience.

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including seminars to complete components of the course. Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including will not be available as recordings. The course will not include live online events. The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Well-being always comes first We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there - for more information, look at this Canvas page https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/33894 , which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community.

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html .

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html .

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

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• News and opinion

Familiar media personality now 'Dr Bradley'

24 September 2024

Politics and law , Faculty of Arts , Doctoral , Pacific , Graduation

New Zealand TV and radio journalist Sarah Bradley recently graduated from the University of Auckland with a PhD focused on the politics of New Caledonia.

As a self-confessed Francophile with strong French, New Zealand journalist Sarah Bradley says spending three months in the field in New Caledonia researching for her doctoral thesis on the country’s pro-independence movement, was a dream come true.

“I was able to use my French for interviewing people and it followed on really well from my masters thesis on New Zealand-French relations in the South Pacific.”

Sarah has been a familiar face on New Zealand screens over the years with her various news anchor and journalism roles across TV3, TVNZ and RNZ.

Her PhD thesis investigates how pro-independence and loyalist groups in New Caledonia have interacted amongst themselves, and with the government of France, on issues of political autonomy and independence from 1978 to 2018.

Sarah used two frames of reference; one on stages of decolonisation (based on a synthesis of University of Iowa David Strang’s work, as well as her own) and the other on phases of negotiation, drawn from University of Auckland foreign policy specialist, Associate Professor Stephen Hoadley.

“My thesis notes how historical and ethnic divisions, differences and clashes have prolonged the negotiations and made them tortuous,” says Sarah.

The thesis charts New Caledonia’s political progression from early colonial subordination, through four decades of partial reforms, to a degree of autonomy, but ultimately, to non-independence.

“Pro-independence parties approached negotiations tactically rather than strategically, undermining their effectiveness,” says Sarah.

“The negotiation process in New Caledonia has proved to be protracted and inconclusive because it has been strongly contested by most French immigrants and indirectly by the French government.”

Two inconclusive referendums culminated in a third and final independence referendum in 2021, which ended up in favour of the loyalists who wanted New Caledonia to remain a part of France, she says. However, this impasse frustrated the Indigenous Kanaks wanting independence.

“I’m hoping my thesis can provide a model for analysis of decolonisation processes and events elsewhere, and ultimately, I hope to turn it into a book.”

Going back to study at Auckland in 2019 was fine, says Sarah, with the only real challenge being raising a 14 to 19-year-old, her daughter Melinda, who is now a Bachelor of Arts student at Auckland herself, while studying.

“The positives were many. As a mature student, I was luckily not financially scrimping and saving as I had to as an undergrad, and so much literature was online, which was an absolute luxury compared to my undergrad days at Waikato [Bachelor of Management Studies] where we had to book to use a computer or the laser printer.

“The young ones have no idea how easy they have it! That being said, I think the current environment provides almost too much information which is extremely easy to access.”  

I’m hoping my thesis can provide a model for analysis of decolonisation processes and events elsewhere, and ultimately, I hope to turn it into a book.

Dr Sarah Bradley Faculty of Arts alumna

Sarah would encourage anyone wondering about returning to study after a gap or as a mature student to go for it.

“It gives you such a sense of purpose and it's been proven that any type of study is great for your brain; the most important thing is to choose a subject you're passionate about.”

Among Sarah’s many plum jobs has been working for TV3 as a foreign correspondent based in New York, as a Good Morning breakfast host for TVNZ, for the Swiss Embassy in Wellington and as part of the UN Mission to the United Nations, when New Zealand was on the Security Council, again based in New York.

She is also an accomplished singer and performer, having attended musical theatre school in New York earlier in her life, and getting paid acting and musical theatre roles as well as doing commercials.

These days she can sometimes be heard reading the RNZ news, but her next big goal is to keep going in academia and expand on her thesis findings.

“I plan to write some scholarly articles on New Caledonia and the dream is to turn my thesis into a book.”

She particularly wants to thank veteran politics expert Associate Professor Stephen Hoadley and Dr Geoff Kemp for their support during the past five years.

“I couldn't have done this thesis without the inspiration and guidance of Associate Professor Hoadley. He helped me refine my topic and guided me expertly until the end; I was his final PhD student before he retired.

“And Dr Kemp came on board in my final year. He is a master of language, with great attention to detail. I must  also mention my fabulous proofreader Pam Oliver; she can spot a typo from a mile away!”

Sarah Bradley graduated with a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the Faculty of Arts on 5 September at the Auckland Town Hall.

Her thesis, ‘Decolonisation Politics in New Caledonia 1978 to 2018: A Negotiation Analysis’ can be found in the University of Auckland Libraries and Learning Services research space.

Media contact

Julianne Evans | Media adviser M: 027 562 5868 E: julianne.evans@auckland.ac.nz

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Comparing New Zealand Government and Policy (Online)

Certificate of proficiency | contributes to mpp.

Gain a better understanding of New Zealand government and how it works with this 30-point credit bearing course comprising 12 weekly modules.

Recommended Background

Students will have a bachelors degree in a relevant subject

University Entrance (or equivalent required for admission)

Next Start Dates

21 July 2025 (2025 Semester Two)

Enrolment closes one week before the course starts. Apply early to secure your spot.

Domestic Fees

Course overview.

• Course Summary
• Course Structure
• Course Benefits

Students who complete this course will:

• Gain a better understanding of New Zealand government and how it works
• Enhance their research and writing skills and develop a research topic of their personal interest
• Learn and practice important applied research and design skills on a current topic germane to New Zealand government
• Understand the role and influence of key actors, ideas and institutions in the policy process
• Be able to critically analyse the various approaches used to explain differences in policy outcomes
• Be able to link theory and practice through comparative policy analysis
• Be able to define and apply key policy concepts

Upon successful completion of the course you will:

• Be awarded with 30 credit points from the University of Auckland
• Have the option to take your credit into the MPP (entry criteria and time limits apply)

Frequently asked questions about this course

Application faqs.

What are the entry requirements? This course is for students with a bachelors degree in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include anthropology, business, communication, economics, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political science, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, social geography, social sciences and sociology. Please note that for admission you must meet the requirements to study at a New Zealand University (e.g. through University Entrance or an alternative entrance pathway).

What is the date for the next intake? The next start date for this course is 21 July 2025. Enrolment closes one week before the course starts. Enrol early to secure your spot.

Is the course fee a one-off lump sum? Yes, the course fee is a one-off sum of $2,324.70 for domestic students.

Is this course open to non-resident students? No. Currently Auckland Online Certificates of Proficiency are only open to NZ citizens and permanent residents.

Studying FAQs

Can I study the course in my own time? Is it suitable for those working full-time? Yes. You can study at a time that suits you (within the allocated course dates). Auckland Online courses are designed for working professionals. They are flexible yet structured to help you gain the knowledge in the time you have.

How is the course structured? The course will run over 12 weeks (with a break in the middle), and will comprise 12 weekly modules. Further details on the course structure can be found under the ‘Course Structure’ tab further up on this page.

Assessment FAQs

How will I be assessed? Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that address the learning objectives from each of the modules in the course. These will comprise weekly tasks, a policy design activity, and a research essay.

Benefits FAQs

What is a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)? A Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) is a course-only study option that allows you to take a course at the University of Auckland, without studying a full programme. It is a good option for those who want to study short-term or to test whether a subject is something they wish to pursue more of in the future.

Does the course enable me to take further study at the University? If you decide to progress your studies further towards a full qualification, you can apply to reassign the points from your CoP to the MPP (entry criteria and time limits apply).

How many course credits will I attain upon completion of the course? Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded with 30 credit points from the University of Auckland.

Do I get a certificate at the end? As a Certificate of Proficiency is not a formal qualification, you will not be able to graduate with it or receive a graduation certificate. Your results will be recorded on your official academic transcript, providing evidence of your study.

*Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fee, there is a Student Services Fee of $4.44 per point (online). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

Start Your University Application

Before we transfer you to the university of auckland application portal to start your application, we would like to capture a few details..

These details enable us to provide you with ongoing information about this course, including exciting updates or any upcoming webinars. Our advisors may also contact you to see if you require any personalised advice to guide you through the application process.

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The University of Auckland, Clubs Awards

Winner of the Best Academic Club of the Year Award 2021

Winner of the Best in Arts Award 2020

Runner-Up – General Club of the Year 2018

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