The Pan-Asian Public Sector Network (PAPSN) works across agencies with existing ethnic networks to share information and to support our peers that identify with differing cultures and ethnicities.

We want to support the personal and professional growth and development of people from different cultures and ethnicities. We're keen to promote and celebrate the benefits and value of a diverse public sector workforce and to support improved cross cultural awareness.

Expressions of interest 2026

We are currently inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) to join the Pan-Asian Public Sector Network (PAPSN) Working Group (WG) and Senior Advisory Group (SAG). EOIs close at 5pm on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cross-agency Employee Led Network that aims to uplift Pan Asian people across the public sector, strengthen representation and influence more inclusive systems, policies and practices.

PAPSN brings together public servants from across the public sector who are passionate about visibility, connection, and collective voice for Pan Asian communities. As the network continues to mature, we are seeking committed and values aligned members who are motivated to help shape PAPSN’s direction and deliver meaningful initiatives that support Pan Asian public servants in Aotearoa.

You can find out more about PAPSN and the EOI process below.

EOI information(PDF, 309 KB)

EOI form

PAPSN Strategic Plan(PDF, 186 KB)

PAPSN Terms of Reference(PDF, 576 KB)

What we do 

Provide peer support. 

Support skills development to improve diversity in leadership. 

Inspire cultural and ethnic staff by celebrating the successes of our peers. 

Identify barriers/issues at work experienced by cultural and ethnic staff and help to raise awareness, providing a voice for staff, and working with others to come up with actions that can help to address these. 

Support good practices for greater inclusion and cross-cultural awareness. 

Celebrate cultures and ethnicities. 

Who can join 

We have members from numerous agencies across the whole public sector.

We welcome all people involved in a cultural or ethnic network, or anyone that supports such a network, to join us.

From time to time, guests from other employee led networks, or professionals from outside of government, may be invited to join the network to provide guidance or assistance.

Why join us

There is strength in coming together (kotahitanga). For many of our members, PAPSN is a space where one can constructively explore and celebrate their cultural heritage and connections in a way that is relevant and beneficial to the New Zealand public sector context (e.g. developing cultural competency, language proficiency, community engagement).

It is also a space where our members can find like-minded people who understand the lived experiences of being a Pan-Asian public servant so that they can easily learn from and support each other to be the best they can be. Collectively, PAPSN can represent you and your views at scale to the decision-makers and stakeholders who need to hear it, so that you can continue to do your jobs and serve the public effectively.

How to join

Click the button below to join the network. To leave the network, please contact them directly.

Follow us on LinkedIn for latest updates.

JOIN PAPSN

Who is involved

Jonathan Wanty
Te Waihanga | Infrastructure Commission 
Role: ​Interim Chair  

Chitra Gulati
Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections
Role: Working Group Member

Nicolette Kumar 
Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice
Role: Working Group Member

Alysha Bagasra
Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Role: Working Group Member 

Ram Lingam
Watercare Services Limited
Role: Working Group Member 

Liz Chin
Te Tari Mātāwaka | Ministry for Ethnic Communities
Role: Strategic Advisory Group Member

Richard Foy
Te Tari Mātāwaka | Ministry for Ethnic Communities
Role: Strategic Advisory Group Member

Ranjit Singh
Manatū Ahu Matua | Ministry for Primary Industries
Role: Strategic Advisory Group Member

Desigin Thulkanam
Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission
Role: Strategic Advisory Group Member

Gordon Tan
Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury
Role: Strategic Advisory Group Member

Anne Subactagin-Matto 
Te Komihana Tauhokohoko | Commerce Commission
Role: Working Group Member Strategic Advisory Group Member 

Mervin Singham 
Te Tari Mātāwaka | Ministry for Ethnic Communities 
Role: Executive Sponsor