AGWN farewells Cheryle Mikarere

Cheryle reflects on her 34 year career at Ara Poutama Corrections and her time with Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki, Auckland GWN.

 

Cheryle pictured at a restaurant wearing a caramel leather jacket with her hair in a high bun and pounamu earrings. She is holding a farewell gift with the GWN logo on the front of the bag.

Ko Tongariro te maunga
Ko Taupo-nui-a-tia te moana
Ko Te Arawa te waka
Ko Tuwharetoa te iwi
Ko Ngāti Turangitukua te hapū
I whānau mai au i Taupo
I tipu ake au i Taradale
Ko Tamaki Makaurau ahau e noho ana
Ko Cheryle Mikaere ahau

What brought you to a career in the public service?

I joined the Department of Justice as a Prison Officer at Rangipo Prison Farm on the 9th October, 1989.  A very memorable day as that is the birthdate of my twin daughters. The Ministry of Works project was winding down at that time and I decided to seek financial security for my whānau – (ex) husband and three daughters. The Department of Justice was promoting recruitment of female staff at male prisons, so it was all about timing and positioning. What started off as a “job” very quickly turned into a career.  There were exams, assessments, Massey papers, professional development courses and other career opportunities that I eagerly embraced. I recall doing study on night watch duty, in between patrols (safety and security was and still is paramount) to prepare for a promotion.  I also did shift changes so I could take my daughters to their sports games.  Just a few of the multi-tasking “things” we do as wāhine. Well my timing was off, promotions happened before I was ready at Rangipo Prison Farm.  There were other young eager beavers on the same trajectory as me. So I looked further a field, Tamaki Makaurau to be exact. My three daughters and I transferred to Paremoremo Prison at the beginning of 1996 and I have never looked back.

A very quick timeline of my career:
1996 Senior Prison Officer – achieved by time in the Service
1999 Acting Unit Manager – selected for ability
2000 Staff Training Officer – timing and positioning, national exposure
2005 Residential Unit Manager – recruitment process
2012 Prison Manager – initially selected for ability and substantively appointed
2015 Prison Director – change of name, bigger scope in the role
2019 Regional Manager Māori Partnerships (Northern) – Te Tai Tokerau and Tamaki Makaurau

2024 Retired

Did you experience any challenges during your career and how did you overcome them?

Now that I have retired I reflect back on my 34 years and 4 months with very fond memories.  I definitely have the greatest admiration for those who still continue with the mahi - with, for and beside our Corrections whānau. On reflection I would say my challenges were actually opportunities to grow, to develop, to achieve and to succeed. There was a saying “back in the days” about women working in a male dominated environment, we had to work twice as hard to be half as good and don’t “get got” (don’t be manipulated by prisoners), don’t wear perfume, there were a lot of don'ts. 

I was a member of the Paremoremo Prison Women's Network (late 90’s) which was valuable for new staff.  They looked to the female staff who had been there longer than they had, asking for advice on how to navigate our challenging workplace environment. I remember helping one new staff member through a situation where a male officer was harassing her, abusing his authority of seniority.  Clearly I am unable to disclose any information only to say she was grateful for the support received from a genuinely, concerned, empathetic colleague.
My main challenges would have been the infamous tall poppy and imposter syndrome during my enthusiasm to achieve and to succeed.  A lot of doubt, indecision, am I doing the right thing, am I good enough?  
The processes, systems, regulations and technology of our mahi can be learned.  How do you unlearn behaviours from childhood?
Well you put your big girl pants on, you toss those self-doubts to the curb, you have trust and confidence in what you do,

you surround yourself with like-minded people and you go for gold.  

Did you have a mentor or mentors that you looked to for guidance or advice during your career?

I had numerous mentors who were there when I needed them to be there, at key milestones in my career and not by coincidence. For each of the roles outlined earlier I was privileged to have mentors who shared their experience and expertise, were supportive and accessible, increased my network and net worth as well as being fantastic, down to earth people.

What has been the highlight of your career in the public service?

The highlight of my career would definitely be my time at Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility and helping our wāhine transition back to the community, back to their whānau.  From approximately 2012 to 2017 we introduced so many rehabilitative and redintegrative programmes as well as creative and cultural programmes.  We had Songs from the Inside, Kapa Haka and Tina Cross came and worked with our wāhine - music of course.  
Being in a position to influence decisions for better outcomes for our wāhine is so rewarding.

What advice would you give to others looking to further their careers and pursue leadership roles in the Public Service?

Advancing a career in the Public Service requires a combination of strategic planning, continuous learning and active engagement. I remember attending a Linda Bloom workshop and I plotted the pathway of my career.  It took me 7 years to reach that goal, I got there. Understand the landscape – familiarise yourself with the structure, goals and key challenges of the sector you are in.  This will help you identify opportunities and make informed career decisions. Pursue relevant education and training – obtain the necessary qualifications and seek additional training to enhance your skills.

  • Build a strong network – this can provide valuable insights, support and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Seek diverse experiences – take on different roles and projects to broaden your skills and knowledge.  This can make you versatile and better prepared for higher-level positions.  Looks good on your CV too
  • Demonstrate Leadership – show initiative and leadership in your current role.  Volunteer for projects, lead teams, and contribute to solving organisational challenges
  • Stay informed – keep up with current events (a previous Chief Executive for Corrections was a stickler for this, right down to the price of milk in Mexico), policy changes and new developments in the Public Service.
  • Develop soft skills – enhance your communication, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.  These are crucial for effective public service and leadership.
  • Maintain integrity and ethical standards, seek feedback and self-reflect, be patient and persistent.

By following these strategies you can position yourself for a successful and fulfilling career in the Public Service.

What motivated you to be part of the group of wāhine that founded Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki Auckland Government Women’s Network?

I was absolutely motivated by other professional women from all walks of life and more so the first Chairperson for Te Aka Wāhine o Tamaki. Whilst women from Pōneke can have “corner conversations”, women in Tāmaki traverse from Central Auckland to South Auckland or West Auckland and mostly back to Central Auckland. We forge through rain, hail and snow… okay, we forge through our beautiful Auckland traffic. Clearly there is networking opportunities and being part of a rōpū that understands your challenges and can provide support. Advocating for women's issues and working towards creating a more equitable work environment.
Mostly giving back.  Opportunities to mentor and support other women, contributing to the growth and empowerment of the next generation of female leaders. Being a foundation member of Te Aka Wāhine o Tamaki has been an amazing journey.  The events we hosted and supported – Women in Public Service Summit is definitely up there as well as the Tumanawanui Mentoring programme.  The sisterhood you bond with.

What changes would you like to see for wāhine who work in the Public Service?

I think positive changes have already started.  I will answer a question with a question.
  • How do you see yourselves contributing to, influencing and leading changes for wāhine in the Public Service
  • How do you increase representation of women in leadership roles in government and public administration?
  • Do you have access to diversity and inclusion training, how effective are your anti-harassment policies – do you feel safe in your workplace environment?
  • Does equal pay initiatives, parental leave policies and flexible work arrangements need more drive in your workplace environment?
  • Do you have easy access to leadership development programmes, if not – why not?
  • Do you feel valued in your workplace environment?  Are there programmes that recognise and celebrate achievements of our wāhine, highlighting their contributions and successes?

When there is a more supportive and equitable environment that encourages growth and success of wāhine in the public service then you will know that transformational change has happened.

What is next for you now you have retired from Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections?

A very good question indeed.  I maintain a structured day, I exercise 6 days of the week, I am able to spend more time my whānau and friends and I am a member of a positive, thriving community that crosses many time zones.
It is always great to end with an air of mystery, which is exactly what I am doing.

No reira, tēna koutou, tēna koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

 

From left: Joanna Maskell, Cheryle Mikarere, Joanne Hacking, Lynette Marchant, Kim Egerton

From left: Natasha Lewis, Joanna Maskell, Cheryle Mikarere, Lynette Marchant, Kim Egerton

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