Government in Practice
Get clarity on the New Zealand government decision-making process, the role of a policy professional, and different advice products. In partnership with FrankCapability.
Course overview
This course builds the skills and knowledge required to understand how government makes decisions, navigate your role and deliver impactful advice. The course creates clarity on government decision-making processes and the role of the policy professional. It examines the four levels of government decision making (Ministry, Minister, Cabinet and Parliament) and breaks down the formal processes and requirements behind different advice products.
This course is best suited for graduates, subject matter experts who are new to government advisory roles, and any policy professional who would appreciate a refresh of the government decision-making process.
In partnership with
What you'll learn
By attending this course, you will learn:
- how decision-making processes in government work, including opportunities to shape the process
- your role in supporting government decision making
- the purpose of different products for giving advice.
Module one: Understand the roles of Parliament, Cabinet, Ministers and Government Agencies
Know how government decision-making processes work, including opportunities to influence.
- What is policy? It’s just about making decisions.
- A day in the life: Ministry Chief Executive.
- A day in the life: Minister.
- A day in the life: Cabinet.
- A day in the life: Parliament (focusing on Select Committee)
Module two: Understanding Your Advisory Role
Know your role in supporting government decision-making
- Understand your context as a policy professional.
- The different purposes of advice and products:
- Tell the Minister something
- Help the Minister make a decision
- Support a decision maker to do something
- Help with government accountability
- Collect information
- Communicate a message or direction.
Module three: Selecting the Right Advisory Products
Use different advisory products for different purposes.
- Spotlight: Weekly report.
- Spotlight: Oral PQ.
- Spotlight: Taking an issue to Cabinet.
- Stages of legislation.
Further Information
Format
This practical and engaging facilitator-led, live learning session is delivered online in three two-hour sessions. Learners can ask questions, share experiences and work through real challenges together. We provide all the supporting resources needed.
Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options
24 Feb 2026 | Wellington
Duration: 7 Hours
$NZD 950
excl. GST
13 Oct 2026 | Wellington
Duration: 7 Hours
$NZD 950
excl. GST
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
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