Culture at NZ Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi

People are very friendly and welcoming, as well as understanding. They understand that graduates are there to learn and may make mistakes. We organise events within the team and have lots of opportunities to socialise. However it is all dependent on the team and the people. Some teams are based across several locations geographically which can make socialising more difficult.

Teams with multiple members in the same office are social and collaborative and occasionally have social events outside of work. Teams separated between offices and/or with members who mostly work from home tend to lack social connection.

There is the opportunity to make both work and personal relationships with the people in the office. There are plenty of out-of-work social club events and after work drinks organised by other colleagues/friends.

The culture at Waka Kotahi is, overall, very positive. In my team I have received nothing but encouragement and support, and there is a strong focus on independent work with a high degree of trust. A number of smaller practices are somewhat antiquated, and, while I have not been confronted with this, I have come across people who have observed and experienced some bad incidents of discriminatory commentary - particularly with reference to racism.

Socializing within my team becomes a bit difficult due to our team being nation wide, there is often minimum contact when it doesn't come to completing tasks and work. The cooperation and teamwork is great between the different teams however (Especially between project managers and engineers, though could be improved upon between the planners and engineers). The hierarchy and structure of the company feels almost non-existent due to the friendliness of the executive leaders and team leaders having no egos and them always willing to lend an ear or give advice.

Culture of support throughout the agency - welcoming employees. The concept of being constantly busy can lead to less time to assist emerging professionals. Socialising in the office is common, where lunch times see the office kitchen and dining areas filled with colleagues. After hours, there are less events than I had expected would be available or promoted to employees.

Some social events and employee networks, although not super active in Christchurch. Mot people friendly but not the most outgoing office. My project work appears more siloed than the average team member, and collaboration between teams could be better

The organisation has a very dynamic and diverse culture. There are people from various backgrounds and cultures which adds to the good experience of working there. There is good rapport amongst the staff and if one puts the effort in and is proactive, then they can really get to experience the culture of the work environment.

Everyone in the office is friendly and keen for a chat. I've felt very welcome even being one of the younger staff in the office.

Supportive and collaborative in the office. People are friendly and happy to stop and chat. The hierarchy feels very flat, you can approach senior colleagues easily. The lunch room is busy during lunch and we socialise together outside of work eg Friday drinks

Good socialising with grads. As much socialising as you want really

Really great people, super flexible with when/where you work.

In the work place, I am more of a friend to my hosting manager and our team leader, while in charge it is not a formal setting. Everyone is quite friendly to be honest, it's nice. (:

The hours are very flexible and the managers understand that unexpected things may pop up so taking leave is not much of a problem. Waka Kotahi has supplied working from home kits so we can work in the office or at home when we feel like it. There doesn't feel like a hierarchy is in place and, although I know who my managers are, I feel comfortable to ask anyone in my team for help and know I will get the right support.

Everyone is super friendly in the office and during after work drinks/events. In the office, the hierarchy feels very flat, and senior leaders are approachable and happy to help when they can. People are really willing to pitch in and help each other out - the teams are super hard-working and a lot of them appear to be at capacity in terms of work.

Good socialising - drinks, morning teas etc. There is a flexible culture. As long as the work gets done, you can work flexible hours

As a huge organisation, it really depends on which teams you are in. The two teams I was in are both very good and collaborative.

it is easy to get along with everyone. no matter what their job title. To make improvements and initiatives working together is the most important factor.

Due to covid (it's hard) but will improve slowly