Graduates thrive swimming with sharks
For most of us, swimming with sharks in a tank is not something we would do. But New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP) graduates dove right into it in June.
Guppies taking on the sharks are graduates (left to right) Antonia Young, Ashleigh Horton, Elspeth Hallett, Michiel Cumming and Stella Buckland. Devon Paranihi also took part in the event, but is absent from this photo. Photo supplied.
The Department of Corrections hosted this year’s Graduate Shark Tank event, organised by Estelle Currin, of Expert Procurement Solutions, who manages the graduate programme.
“The shark tank is a challenging but rewarding developmental tool”, said Estelle.
“The graduates can practice and develop their teamwork, critical thinking, influencing, and presentation skills in a safe and supportive environment.”
They also practice presenting to governance boards, steering groups, and other workplace forums.
Presentations focussed on how to make government procurement more accessible for small and medium sized businesses.
Graduate Antonia Young enjoyed thinking critically, analysing risk, and working through the complexity of the task as part of a team.
“The sharks were really receptive to what we had come up with.”
Shark Michael Alp, General Manager NZGP, praises the programme, “Watching our grads tackle real-world procurement challenges with such insight and professionalism was a powerful reminder of the talent we’re nurturing. These sessions aren’t just exercises — they’re shaping the future of our industry.”
Department of Corrections, Manager Procurement Excellence and shark, Thijs Nicolas said what stood out in this year’s event was how well the graduates had researched their pitches and, “interestingly, that they independently came up with very similar solutions”.
Now, the focus turns to reflection, said Estelle. “By watching each other’s presentations, they pick up new approaches and techniques for presentations and influencing.”
Industry representatives who also took on the roles as sharks were Emma Morrow, Manager Commissioning for Outcomes, Department of Corrections, and Andrew McLean, Director, of Expert Procurement Solutions.
This is the only shark tank for this year.
There are plans to continue working with the Department of Corrections to adapt the exercise for graduates and the needs of government procurement.
Corrections is the original home of the Graduate Shark Tank.