Meet Bhupinder D Singh, Judicial Resources Manager, Chief District Court Judges’ Chambers, Ministry of Justice. His lifelong Public Service career is driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
What does service to the community mean to you?
I’ve been in the Public Service all my working life. Before I came to New Zealand and joined the Public Service in 2002, I spent 18 years working in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh, India. I am driven by a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Community engagement allows us to learn from each other and build mutual understanding and respect.
How does your work make a difference?
I put time into good decision making on where the judges are sitting across the Manukau, Papakura, and Pukekohe courts, so we can be timely with cases. I believe this contributes to the betterment of society and the development of a strong community.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I’m part of a team that has developed Microsoft Excel prioritisation tools, which helps us develop a better schedule of the cases coming up in court. It means the judges’ time is used more efficiently, staff are happier, and the courts run more smoothly!
What’s your favourite part of the job?
I feel grateful to work with a great team of judges and colleagues who enable me to pull together a complex judicial roster on behalf of the Chief District Court Judge. Seeing it come together is the best part of my job. I am immensely grateful for my role at the Ministry of Justice, and the team of judges, managers, and other staff I work with. In 2014 and 2022 my work was recognised when I won Chief Executive’s Awards.
What are 3 words you would use to describe your work?
Fostering stewardship, extemporaneous, and with recurring bouts of oxymoron-organised-chaos!
What advice do you give to someone starting their work in the public service?
Being a public servant is a noble profession that requires genuine commitment. You need integrity, empathy, and dedication. You also need to understand the goals of the community you are serving. However, the Public Service requires resilience and a genuine ambition to do good. If you want to make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to the wellbeing of society, join the Public Service!
