Public Service Careers Explained with Kate Goodman

Kate Goodman was a high-achieving student who loved school, thrived in structured environments, and always expected she would go to university - but like many students, she had little idea what career she actually wanted.

In this episode, Kate shares how she navigated that uncertainty, choosing to study psychology, criminology, and art history based on interest rather than a defined career path - and trusting that things would work out.

What followed was a career across New Zealand’s public service, working in roles spanning the Family Court, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Internal Affairs, Anti-Money Laundering, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Health during COVID-19. Along the way, she built a reputation for adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to quickly learn and operate within complex systems.

Kate opens up about starting in intense frontline roles at just 20 years old, moving between jobs every 12-18 months to grow her skills, and eventually stepping into senior leadership - managing teams and working closely with ministers in high-pressure environments.

Her biggest insights? You don’t need one clear passion to build a meaningful career. Confidence can be built through competence. And sometimes the most valuable skill is simply learning how to learn - and communicate - in any environment.

Today, Kate has intentionally stepped back into a Principal Advisor role, prioritizing wellbeing and sustainability while continuing to contribute to work that supports democratic systems and public life.