Her Magazine is New Zealand’s only women’s business lifestyle magazine! Her Magazine highlights the achievements of successful and rising New Zealand businesswomen. Her Magazine encourages a healthy work/life balance.
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/59614
a large government department audit. It taught me a lot. Leaders need followers. You need to respect the experience of others. Leadership should always be based on mutual respect. Since that first role as a leader I have learned a lot. You need to give credit where it's due, and always support your staff and colleagues. Making sure you're words and actions match is also important. Q: You joined the Audit Office as an Assistant Auditor in 1978 before a stint in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Were there any significant experiences overseas that dramatically changed the way you wanted to do business here? A: In South Africa I learnt a very, very important lesson. Freedom of speech is a privilege, and one I had taken for granted. No one had that privilege in South Africa in the early 1980s. Now, if I read or hear anything that is really critical of my Office, or critical of me personally, I remind myself how lucky we are to live in a country that allows freedom of speech. In my role it's vital that I hear what the public is telling me. I'm serving the people of New Zealand, so I'm really thankful that they, and I, have a voice. Q: Upon returning to New Zealand you soon became Assistant Auditor-General to Brian Tyler in 1990. What key characteristics did you take from him that you have implemented now that you are the Auditor-General? A: Brian Tyler is a man who stands up for what he believes in, no matter what. During his term he had to stand up for the mandate of the Office, particularly for State Owned Enterprises. That is really inspiring to me. Courage and tenacity are important characteristics needed in this job. You're in the public eye and you need to lead by example. You need to be credible in everything you do. Q: Where are you based now and what do you love most about it? A: I am based in Wellington. I love the harbour and the waterfront. There is so much culture in this city. I love the theatres and all the wonderful restaurants. Most of all, I love that Wellington is full of interesting people. Q: What did your role as the guardian of the Suffrage Petition and the Treaty of Waitangi entail? A: The Chief Archivist is entrusted with the collection, storage and accessibility of public records. We have a wonderful collection recording the history of our country. In my opinion the Suffrage Petition and the Treaty of Waitangi are the jewels in the crown. It was an honour to assist in protecting them, and sharing them with the New Zealand public. Q: In 2002 you became the first woman civilian to be appointed to the role of Deputy Commissioner of New Zealand Police, a position you held for eight years. As Deputy Commissioner you were responsible for six police districts, as well as for leading finance, strategy, information technology, and human resources within New Zealand Police. What did you enjoy most about this role? How did this demanding role prepare you for your current position? A: I enjoyed hearing the stories of people who devote their lives to policing. Policing is one of the most graphic reminders that the public sector exists to serve people. That reminder is really helpful in my current role. It's a good way to remember that the public service is not just money, systems, and processes. It's about the people of New Zealand. The New Zealand public sector needs to serve the New Zealand public effectively and efficiently. Q: By law the Controller and Auditor-General may serve only one seven-year term. How has this affected your performance in the job? A: I intend to make all seven years count. Our public sector is among the best in the world in many ways, but there is always room for improvement. Every day I make sure I use my time as Auditor-General wisely, so I can leave this position having improved New Zealand's public sector. Q: What goals did you set for yourself upon entering this role? And how have they been achieved thus far? A: I set several goals to be achieved in three years, and I am confident I am on the right track to achieve them. Overall, I am committed to doing what I can to improve public management and accountability. I have a fantastic team of really passionate and intelligent people around me. We all want to succeed. When you set goals you need to stick to them. That's what I keep in mind throughout my work. Q: Achieving that all-important work/life balance is difficult for someone in a position such as yours, as so much is required outside the usual workday. How do you ensure that you make time for yourself? A: I attempt to make Friday night to Sunday afternoon 'family and friends' time. And I escape to the beach whenever possible to relax. It's important to make time for yourself even if you're busy. Q: How important is it to have a supportive and encouraging partner? A: My husband has done the hard yards in caring for our children. It certainly makes life easier if you have a partner who supports you and encourages you, and Paul does that. Support from my family, and my good friends, has been vital in my work. Working for New Zealand Police made me realise how blessed I am in that regard. Sadly, caring and loving families are not a reality for all of New Zealand's children. Q: What is the most challenging element of being a figure in the public eye? A: It has to be remembering names. I am very remiss in this regard! Q: What is the highlight of your career to date? A: I have been blessed with so many highlights. Realising my dream to be Auditor-General would probably be the greatest to date. In my early career I aspired to one day be the Auditor-General of New Zealand. I didn't know if it would happen, but I certainly hoped it would! It's a great job and I'm glad to be in a position where I can make a difference. Q: What is the best piece of advice you have been given? A: Take all opportunities, particularly if they seem impossible. It's usually the opportunities that seem the toughest that have the biggest rewards. LEFT: Lyn studied accountancy at Victoria University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration. www.hermagazine.co.nz | 33