Jasmine Lindsay is a young leader working with the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. She is driven by a commitment to removing the barriers Deaf and disabled people experience and ensuring public policy delivers real world change.
What does service to the community mean to you?
I've worked in a variety of roles across the public service, including frontline service delivery, complaints resolution, policy, ministerial support and people leadership.
No matter the role, service means staying connected to the people behind the policies, programmes and decisions we make. It means listening to people, being guided by their experiences, treating people with manaakitanga, and working alongside communities to create practical change.
It also means being honest about what can be achieved, working collaboratively, and doing my part to help create a more inclusive New Zealand where everyone can thrive.
How does your work make a difference?
My work focuses on removing barriers so Deaf and disabled people can participate more fully in everyday life. Specifically, my team is working on removing barriers Deaf and disabled people experience when looking to access information from government agencies, secure employment, or engage with government services in the same way as everyone else.
Over the past year, we launched the first All-of-Government Summer Internship Programme for disabled tertiary graduates. We also launched a new website – Oneinsix.nz. This website provides practical tools, case studies and other resources to support employers to make their recruitment processes more accessible.
We also run a service to support government agencies develop information in the formats Deaf and disabled people need to access information independently – audio, Braille, Easy Read, large print and New Zealand Sign Language.
This is rewarding work, and it helps make sure disabled and Deaf people feel included, valued, and able to contribute their skills and talents to their communities and workplaces.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of the times I've helped turn concerns into practical change. That includes working alongside disabled people, communities, and government agencies during COVID-19 to improve access to information and services.
Another achievement I'm particularly proud of is learning New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). I started taking classes in 2020, just before COVID-19 hit. It's a beautiful language that has opened up a whole new world for me.
I originally learned NZSL to support my work, but over time it became something much more personal. As one of New Zealand's official languages and an important part of Deaf culture and identity, learning NZSL has helped me become a better ally to the Deaf community and given me a much deeper appreciation of the importance of language, culture and inclusion.
Today I'm able to have everyday conversations in NZSL, open and close meetings with karakia, and even sign a few waiata. It's one of the achievements I'm proudest of because it challenged me to make myself vulnerable, embrace mistakes (there’s a lot when you’re learning a language!), and it’s helped me build stronger connections with the Deaf community.
What is your favourite part of the job?
I love working with people who care about making a difference. My role gives me the opportunity to connect individuals, organisations and ideas that might not otherwise come together.
Some of the most rewarding moments are seeing a conversation spark new thinking, lead to practical action, or help people realise that a few small changes can make a significant difference.
Stay connected to the people your work affects. Policies, programmes and services matter, but it is their impact on people's lives that should guide every decision we make.
What three words would you use to describe your work?
Inclusive. Challenging. Mana-enhancing.
What advice would you give someone starting their career in the Public Service?
Be curious, authentic, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Some of the best opportunities in my career came from being willing to learn, putting my hand up, and being open to different perspectives.
I'd also encourage new public servants to build experience across different parts of government. Government is complex, and understanding different functions and viewpoints will make you a better public servant.
Stay connected to the people your work affects. Policies, programmes and services matter, but it is their impact on people's lives that should guide every decision we make.
What motivates you to keep doing this work?
I believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in society and contribute their talents.
What keeps me motivated are the disabled leaders and advocates I learn from, the dedicated people I work alongside, and the belief that meaningful change happens when we listen, collaborate and take practical action.
The challenges are often complex, but seeing progress, whether that's a system change, a new opportunity, or a barrier being removed, reminds me why this work matters.
Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards
Jasmine Lindsay is a finalist of Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year Award at Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards 2026.
The Young Leader of the Year Award celebrates inspirational young public sector leaders who demonstrate exceptional motivation and commitment to delivering for New Zealand and New Zealanders. Winners will be announced on Thursday 1 October.
The awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors Deloitte, ANZSOG – The Australia and New Zealand School of Government and DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand.
