02/09/2026
Introducing Manvi Madan, an ICT Graduate School - University of Auckland alumni profiled in our ten-year anniversary celebration series.
“I completed my MInfoTech in 2019 and when I graduated, I thought about my career almost entirely in terms of the technical problems I wanted to solve and did not imagine it would lead to leadership, organisational transformation, governance and AI strategy. I began with a strong focus on data and analytics and spent several years at Ports of Auckland.
Today, I am Head of Data Governance at SkyCity Auckland Entertainment Group, where my work sits at the intersection of technology, business and people. What I find most rewarding is that the further I have progressed, the less my career has been with specific technology and more about building things that last like strong teams, good systems, responsible practices, and a culture where people can use technology thoughtfully.
I interned with Tower Insurance in their Data Practice which converted into my first full-time role. My project involved automating risk accumulation reporting giving the Underwriting team a faster, more reliable way to assess exposure across different hazard zones. It was my first chance to apply what I had learned to a real business problem.
A highlight of my career was being named ICT Emerging Leader of the Year in 2024 at the CIO Awards & Summit. Alongside that, I have had the chance to deliver keynotes at industry forums on responsible AI.
One of my favourite memories was in my first semester, in a project management paper with Prof. Cecil Chua in a live negotiation where I was put on the spot which was well outside my comfort zone. I negotiated well beyond the assignment’s target outcome, and the feedback gave me a real boost of confidence that shifted how I showed up for the rest of my degree.
As the School celebrates its 10-year anniversary, what stands out most to me is the role it has played in creating a pathway into the NZ tech sector for people who might not otherwise have had a way in.
I am especially grateful for the support beyond the classroom such as workshops on CVs, interview skills, and navigating the job market. For an international student trying to establish in a new country these were genuinely significant.
I also valued the balance between structure and flexibility in the degree with interdisciplinary exposure that has mattered throughout my career, giving me an appreciation for both technology and business.
The internship pathway was invaluable and gave me the first opportunity to gain local experience and get a foot in the door which matters enormously for an immigrant.
So, as the Graduate School turns ten, my main feeling is gratitude. It gave me more than a degree. Structure, practical skills, industry exposure and the confidence to build a career in a new country. I hope it continues to do that for the next generation of students finding their place here.
The University of Waikato Faculty of Science, University of Auckland University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau
