IT Manager – Kaiwhakahaere Hangarau Pārongo

“relationships are a huge part of how I work in the technology sector especially around Taranaki – so working with people is what it’s about for me. I work in the community and Iwi space, supporting organisations to plan, set up and maintain information technology systems.” 

– Kiki Ruakere, IT Manager

 

About this career

Information Technology Managers are senior professionals who are responsible for managing the IT strategies, services and teams within businesses and organisations, or for IT companies.

The IT Industry is growing in New Zealand and there is a huge demand for skilled Information Technology workers from entry level roles through to senior IT professionals and specialists. There is a big variety of work in the information technology sector and the pay is good!

If you like leading teams, managing systems, solving problems and enjoy technical challenges this could be a career for you. Competent IT support people can work for a huge variety of organisations including companies, businesses, health, training and learning providers, not for profit organisations, Māori organisations to name a few.

 

Persona qualities you need

  • Leadership skills
  • Problem solving ability
  • Passion for technology
  • Great communication with people
  • Ability to multi-task and manage conflicting demands
 
Career Pathway

Information Technology is a diverse field which also includes:

  • Web & software development
  • Security & networks
  • Digital design & digital marketing
  • Computing
  • Apps & Web Development
  • Game Development

People at any age can enter this field.

Find out more about Information Technology Management careers here:

Information Technology Manager https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/it-and-telecommunications/information-technology/information-technology-manager/

Information Technology Architect https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/it-and-telecommunications/information-technology/information-technology-architect/

Find out about Information Technology training here:

Learner Me https://www.learnerme.ac.nz/

WITT https://www.witt.ac.nz/study/information-technology/

 

Our Whānau Career Story

Kiki Ruakere, IT Manager

Where do I work and what do I do?

I work at the BAF ICT Gateway Co-ordinator, BAF (Bishop’s Action Foundation). In my role there I operate a social enterprise and provide strategic IT advice, remote management and technical support for voluntary and community sector organisations as part of the Foundation’s ICT Gateway programme.

What was my career pathway to get where I am / and what led me to this?

My first job was welding – it was a dirty job! I met a guy who was doing a desk job and thought that might suit me better. So, I started doing computer engineering at night school – that was my first experience with computers. There was no work for me at the time so I went to Auckland and got work as a healthcare assistant at a spinal unit, they had computers and I would fix them.

Then I got a job on the helpdesk at Middlemore Hospital. It was the biggest IT network I’ve worked on – 2000 users! It was a good place to learn – many of the IT support kaimahi were Māori or Pacific Islanders.
When we had our first child we came back to Taranaki, and I worked for a few big companies, but I felt pigeon-holed doing repetitive work. I needed more engagement with people and more variety. So, then I got a job with Transfield Worley and stayed for 8 years.

Then I got the job I am in now at BAF. I’ve had lots of support here over the years and built up some great relationships.
I’ve supported a few rangatahi – taken them through and shown them the job. I say to them, if you know how to set up a gaming pc you can try this!

People any age can enter this field – second chance learners. For example, if you want to get into something new. You can learn on the job and online. I learnt the fundamentals on my formal engineering course then on the job. There is such a broad variety of work in this space – you’ve got to work out what you want to do. You’ve also got to keep up your learning as things change all the time.

What is my “why” for doing this job and making difference for Māori

For me relationships are a huge part of how I work in the technology sector in especially around Taranaki – so working with people is what it’s about for me. I work in the community and Iwi space, supporting organisations to plan, set up and maintain information technology systems.

I have worked with many Māori and community organisations including the Māori radio station, Te Korimako o Taranaki, on things like livestreaming karakia to any whānau who were connected online. Technology is not only a tool or mechanism, it can bring so many people and whānau together who have not seen each other for a long time – it’s amazing and so big for the Māori community!

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