BA, MPols
Sam's family has always been interested in Politics and he was no different, especially after attending a protest against the Iraq war in 2003. During the protest a member of the public, who opposed the protest, grabbed the megaphone and start yelling obscenities at the crowd. While this might be off putting to some, it only made Sam more interested.
Sam grew up in the Taranaki and Hamilton, he spent his last year of high school in Canterbury, but it was the student centred lifestyle and it proximity to a lot of cool places in the great outdoors that drew him to Otago.
His Master of Politics degree helped him secure his first role with the Office of the Auditor General, before stints at the Ministry of Education and his current role with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.
When asked what advice he would give to anyone who is thinking about studying Politics at Otago Sam's response is – do it.
“Otago has the only dedicated politics department in New Zealand, and therefore you've got access to staff members who are passionate about many different aspects of politics (e.g. treaty, environment, international relations, political philosophy etc.). Also make the most of your time with the lecturers, all of which are approachable and interested in what you have to say, and get to know other students in the department as well.”