Registrar of electors, Tamaki electorate

David Parrish compiles and maintains the Tamaki electoral roll.

Name: David Parrish
Age: 30
Role: Registrar of electors, Tamaki electorate
Working hours: Usually 37.55 hours a week, overtime in the months leading up to and after an election
Qualifications: MProfStuds (Masters degree in international relations and human rights, Auckland University)

Describe how you got this job?

I simply responded to an advertisement in the Herald.

There were two interviews and I had to deliver a presentation. The topic was how I would balance the administrative parts of my job with the public relations aspects.

Describe what you do?

The law is if you are eligible to enrol, then you must do so. Also, you must advise the registrar of electors when you move.

I am responsible for compiling and maintaining the electoral roll in a state of readiness at all times for any general election, by-election or local body election.

I am also required to encourage those unenrolled to register.

Our target audience is those who are least likely to be enrolled, people who have just turned 18 or recently been granted permanent residency.

The job includes public speaking at schools and training institutes, and attending expos and training events to educate the public and community groups on the need and obligation to enrol.

I follow up people's change of address and we also receive notifications of deaths, marriages and prison sentences. After an election, we check special votes to make sure people are qualified.

At times when there is not an election, I participate in project work with regards to refining our procedures and educational material and how we communicate with the public.

What have you had to do to succeed at this job?

Pay immense attention to detail and consistently seek out opportunities for enrolment encouragement and, most importantly, avoid all semblance of political opinion, so I am seen as being politically neutral at all times.

What sort of training or experience do you need?

This is such a niche role, with only about 65 people in the country doing it, so prior training is not feasible. Training is on the job.

Experience in large-scale operations, directing staff and public speaking is a bonus.

A commitment to the integrity of New Zealand's democracy is paramount. The registrars are across the board in gender and age and are spread throughout the country.

What skills and qualities do you need?

Aside from the obvious computer-based skills for the data entry, excellent time management skills, an unwavering attention to detail, the ability to liaise with a wide cross section of the community and the ability to speak to large audiences are important qualities.

Most challenging part?

The abusive phone calls. For some people, the mere act of attempting to enrol voters is politically construed.

I have been accused of being a handmaiden of either end of the political spectrum.

Best part of the job?

Speaking to senior students at high schools as I love the challenge of catching their attention and side-stepping their rather pointed political questions.

How do you define success in this job?

Success is the knowledge that I have exhausted as many avenues as possible to ensure a high rate of enrolment and also from knowing that I have contributed in a significant way to the integrity of the democratic system.

What are your career hopes for the future?

I would like to continue to work on large-scale projects, either in the electoral field here or globally, or possibly even side-step into disaster management and civil defence.

If I wanted a job like yours, how would I go about it, and what qualifications would I need?

No specific qualifications are required. Check the New Zealand Post website for job advertisements, and national newspapers.

There are 19 registrar jobs in Auckland. It might be an advantage in the six months leading up to any election to contact the local registrar for casual work.

What advice would you have for someone contemplating a career like yours?

Drop any pretence of political opinion - some of the best work done in this country is apolitical in nature.

If you are looking for the limelight, this job is not for you. Just knowing that your work can support the ability of others to express their political opinion is enough of a reward.