Policy Advisor — The Ministry of Justice New Zealand

Say hello to Wellingtonian born and bred, Malisha Frawley.
Malisha’s multi-ethnic background and spirituality have set the foundation for her drive, dedication and strong personal mantra for helping others, which has led her down a path of life-enriching experiences. She is the epitome of a powerful woman and we are so honoured to introduce her as our latest Saucette.

Hi Malisha, can you tell us a little something about your work and what inspired you to get into politics?

With my career, I have always been guided by the mantra of doing good work for others. I started getting involved in justice issues 6 years ago when I worked at Wellington Women's Refuge. As a Community Advocate for women and children suffering from domestic violence, I gave advice and support to help women achieve their own goals of living a life free of violence. My personal aim for my work was to help give power back to vulnerable people because so much power was taken away from them.

For my Honours thesis, I made a life-changing decision to move to East Africa, Somaliland for 6 months to complete my anthropological study. I interviewed Somali women about their local customs, lived experiences, and aspirations about the future. The experience was incredible and I'm forever grateful for those women inviting me in their spaces, sharing their stories, and learning about their sacred private and public rituals.

After moving back to Wellington, I completed a Master of Public Policy while working full time for Government. Working as a Policy Advisor in the justice sector has definitely been both challenging and stimulating. I think what is most important is that my work serves my mantra - it is both a way of life and a way to live fully. As a public servant, serving the people, I wish to deliver high quality advice that improves the wellbeing of New Zealanders. I know too well that this is most needed for those in the justice system.

Your work in East Africa sounds incredibly fascinating. How did it all happen?

I was studying religious traditions in Africa during my undergrad, and took up the opportunity of travelling to the Horn of Africa to understand the role of religion in women's reproductive decision-making. There are some real challenges, especially for women's reproductive health as Somaliland has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rate. Somaliland also has really interesting clan politics with lots of tensions. However, international NGOs/aid need to respect the local context and work with communities instead of imposing solutions to problems such as female genital cutting. The women I interviewed, who represented diverse clans/communities, completely condemned female genital cutting in the name of their religion and are very active in combatting this issue. To say that Islam is a barrier to solving these issues disempowers these women - their voices are most important, so international organisations need to listen.

We would love to know a little something about your heritage and home

My heritage is multi-ethnic and has multiple histories - my mum is a strong Fijian-Indian Islander and dad is a sweet Irish New Zealander. I was born in a pretty town called Petone in the greater Wellington region and currently live in Wellington central which I deem one big dreamy village.

Your proudest achievements so far?

I'm really humbled to have supported the resilience of people I have been working alongside, turning pain into power. I'm also a bit proud of my own resilience which helped me complete a two-year full time Masters degree while working full time.

How do you approach your personal style ?

I'm honestly completely inspired by my local fashion community. Some of closest friends work in stores in Wellington such as Ena and Hunters and Collectors. These people have always given me advice which I've synthesised and taken on board to build my style instead of looking to celebrities or trends.

My wardrobe definitely gives a nod to 90s New York minimalism which includes silky slips and monochrome power suits that are strong and feminine, but you'll also see garments from Jean Paul Gaultier and Gucci which are fun and extravagant.

Your beauty routine

My beauty routine definitely reflects my love for natural oils and serums! Last year I discovered Ines, a beautiful online beauty store, which stocks effective French products which I can no longer live without. I love how all their products are considered and hand-picked.

I wash my face with Holy Basil gel cleanser from Wellington Apothecary, dab on Niod's Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex which is great for hydrating my skin as I'm really bad at drinking water, seal the serums in with Embryolisse face cream, and smooth on Cane and Austin SPF 50 sunscreen. At night, I switch my serum to Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I sometimes massage my serums in with my jade roller which I recently got in Hong Kong. I also use Murad's Rapid Collagen for Lips - I've been using this for 3 years now and is a cult classic product of mine.

Makeup routine

My makeup is mostly minimal. I use a little concealer from Bobbi Brown and make sure to follow a good friend's advice when applying - 'blend baby blend!' I then thicken my brows and wear a brown nude or bold lipstick from Mac.

Are you able to share your secret DIY health weapon?

I fully embrace the need for rituals. This is mostly due to my upbringing of watching my Hindu mum perform her purification rituals in her sarong - lighting incense, organising floating flowers, and hand throwing rose water around the house during her prayer every morning for our family.

My health weapon is one of my own purification rituals which involves soaking in a hot bath filled with epsom salt and a few drops of orange and sage oil while drinking a cup of hot apple cider and manuka honey. Good for the mind and for banishing colds.

Best advice given to you

When I was much younger and working in a crisis situation, someone told me to trust my judgement which is probably the best piece of advice you can say to a young person who is very unsure of themselves. I've carried this advice with me since and always will.

And, how do you keep fit — both, spiritually and mentally?

I'm currently learning Muay Thai and getting trained by my awesome coach at Muay Thai Institute. I do wish to get in the ring and fight one day, but I'm more interested in honouring the art and mastering the foundations.

Your morning routine

Each morning begins with a ritual, either lighting incense or burning lemongrass oil to bring in new energy and clarity for the day. I would never start anything too hard without delicious coffee, so my morning routine involves a nice stroll to Deluxe café to kick off my day right.

Top five tunes on your playlist?

Chaii - Digebasse
Haroinfather - Princess Bubblegum
Fortunes - Disc Read Error
Yaeji - drink I'm sippin on
Alice Coltrane - Keshava Murahara

Lastly, your favourite places in Wellington to eat, drink and relax

Fidel's Cafe
Hillside Kitchen
Havana Bar
Fifi's café
Hawthorn Lounge

Interview — Zeenat Wilkinson
Photographer — Grace Yasemin Watson

Malisha Frawley