Career Stories

Got political aspirations? We talk to Tauranga City Councillor Max Mason

Max Mason. City Councillor. Tauranga Citywide Council.
 
What did you want to be when you were 16?
I didn’t know.

What did you end up doing when you left school?
Conscripted into the army and became a soldier.
 
Describe a day in your life at work:
Lots of reading of Council meeting reports so that decisions about our city’s future can be debated and voted on. Attending public meetings in the Council Chambers, meetings with staff or individually with constituents. Reading and responding to lots of emails.
 
Why do you love your job/career?
There are parts of my job that I love, like debating and voting on big projects worth tens of millions of dollars that will take our city forward while adding to the quality of life of residents. Some aspects of the job I don’t like, such as when I believe the Council makes poor decisions, and that’s very frustrating.
 
How did you get into your career?
I’ve had many different types of jobs such as Human Resource Management, starting my own small businesses, CEO of Chamber of Commerce, Manager of a retirement village etc. I think that to be a good local politician it’s important to have some life experience to better understand other’s point of view. 
 
What qualifications did you study?
B. Sc. Hons Psychology and M. Sc. In Entrepreneurial Studies. 
 
Do you have any advice for getting into your sector?
Try to attain roles where you get experience in leadership and governance. Also, you need to be emotionally resilient and be able to take public criticism which is often unfair. You really need to want to make your community a better place and have a strong sense of purpose. 
 
What do you wish you had done differently?
Been kinder to my parents.
 
What would you say to your teenage self about defining your future?
If you don’t know what your passion is, then try different jobs, and life experiences until you find it. Live a life of courage. Seek out the experiences that scare you the most - then tackle them. Be proactive in everything. 
 
Life isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey, so seek to make the most of each moment. Use time wisely and don’t waste it.

Don’t be too intense about being driven to achieve. Relationships with others is an important part of career success and personal fulfilment. 

Believe in yourself.