(upbeat music)

Blue screen appears with text: How important is it for leaders to be courageous?

Text appears at bottom left of screen: Fiona Ross Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Secretary Strategy, Performance & Engagement The Treasury - Kaitohutohu Kaupapa Rawa

Fiona: I think it's absolutely important for leaders to be courageous but you have to think really carefully about that courage because the courage isn't just doing bold things that nobody else will buy into. So being courageous as a leader means you really have understood what people want and need. You know what's going to push the boundaries and you're going to be prepared to do it. And I think only a leader can set the scene for that courage and encourage - encourage that courage from everybody else. And if our leaders in the public service aren't going to be courageous to stand up and say things that we need to say at the right time, how are we going to make a difference for New Zealand, which is why we're here.