Applying to work for NZERN
What is NZERN looking for in an intern or volunteer?
What about qualifications?
I don't know exactly when I graduate. Is this a problem?
Why do the postions list different agencies?
How soon does NZERN need me?
Do I need a CV?
What about a photo?
Is there an internship contract?
Funding
Does NZERN provide paid internships?
Does NZERN provide accommodation or food?
Can NZERN direct me to a possible source of funding?
Living in New Zealand
What does it cost to live in New Zealand?
What are the names of some low cost hostels used by other interns?
What does it cost to buy a car?
What does it cost to rent a car for the weekend?
Are there buses?
What about cycles?
Which airport do I fly to?
Is it easy to get a job?
Where do I look to find accommodation?
Do I need medical insurance?
What happens in the event of an accident?
What about next of kin?
Are there internet cafes?
Is there a host mum?
The NZERN Office
What hours is the NZERN office open?
What is it like to volunteer for NZERN?
What are typical tasks?
Is smoking permitted?
Can I work part time?
What is gained from the experience?
Do you work in isolation or with others?
How many employees are there, and how many volunteers?
Do you get more foreigners like me in your organisation? Or is it mostly local people?
I heard that NZERN has great cakes?
The Bush Telly Film Crew
How experienced is the Bush Telly Film Crew?
What skills do I need to join the Bush Telly Film Crew?
What sort of productions are being made?
Who is in charge?
Can I do a Show Reel?
What sort of gear is available?
What about consumables?
Where is the Film Crew web page?
Universities & Polytechnics
I am a professor, how can I arrange projects for my students?
What projects are available?
Is there any written information available?
Do we need to sign an agreement?
Can an NZERN speaker come to my class?
Q. What is NZERN looking for in an intern or volunteer?
A. The biggest things we look for is dedication to conservation, respect for others, natural ability and self discipline. Interns are also selected on skills.
A. Qualifications are great, we value your abilities and skills as much as your qualifications. Some NZERN volunteers have very little formal education, yet are carrying out very complex technical tasks.
Q. I don't know exactly when I graduate. Is this a problem?
A. No. Its a typical part of the special challenge with project management for NZERN. For example some of our best volunteers are farmers who can assist according to the seasons. Projects are undertaken when people are available. We get a lot of project work done but have to be very flexible about when the work can be undertaken. The important thing is that people do what they say they will do and give realistic deadlines.
Q. Why do the postions list different agencies?
A. In 2006, NZERN was reorganised into 3 different agencies to aid efficiency. Internship applications should still be made to NZERN.
Q. How soon does NZERN need me?
A. This is ongoing year round work. Positions are filled on a first come - first served basis.
A. Yes, you will need to supply a CV (resume) in Microsoft Word or as a PDF. This is kept in your personal file.
A. You will need to supply a digital photo in JPEG format of your self. This is kept in your personal file.
Q. Do I have to sign an internship contract?
A. Yes, you can use a contract provided by your university, otherwise NZERN has a standard contract that can be used.
Q. Does NZERN provide paid internships
A. No.
Q. Does NZERN provide accommodation or food
A. No.
Q. Can NZERN direct me to a possible source of funding?
A. Unfortunately, we can't help you with sources of funding.
Q. What does it cost to live in New Zealand?
A. You should budget NZ$1000 for a month. That would cover rent, utilities and food.
Rent is usually NZ$80 - NZ$120 per week. Home stay accommodation with all costs included is also an option - starting at NZ$150 - NZ$200 per week.
Q. What are the names of some low cost hostels used by other interns?
A. Kiwi House costs NZ$113 per week for a 12 sq meter room, which includes power and internet. You will need to buy your own food. Drifters costs NZ$100 per week for a room in a flat or $20 per night in the shared backpackers dorm.
Q. What does it cost to buy a car?
A. You can get an older car for NZ$1,500 to NZ$2,500. Insurance is about NZ$150 for 3rd party cover for 6 months.
Q. What does it cost to rent a car for the weekend?
A. You can rent a small modern car for NZ$35 per day with unlimited kilometers. You will need to pay for fuel and $150 insurance excess if you have an accident. Local hire companies used by interns have included Ace Rental Cars.
A. yes, there is a very good bus service in Christchurch. You can purchase a bus card called a "Metrocard", this gives you discounted bus fares and a maximum paid in any one day. So if you work at the office each day, it will cost $3.80 bus fare for the day using the metro card.
A. Christchurch is mainly flat and cycling is popular. Many interns get a second hand student bicycle for about $60, usually from another student. A helmet is also required plus lights at night.
A. You need to arrive at Christchurch airport as your final destination. There is a good bus service which will take you into the city. There are also shuttles and taxis which are more expensive.
A. Yes there are plenty of part time jobs available at the moment (2006).
Q. Where do I look to find accommodation?
A. Mrs P will help you find accommodation. Some NZERN supporters may be able to provide homestay accomodation if required.
Q. Do I need medical insurance?
A. Yes, you must have comprehensive private medical cover before you come to New Zealand.
Q. What happens in the event of an accident?
A. You are covered by ACC for all accidents. see here for more information.
A. You need to inform NZERN of your chosen next of kin and their contact details in case of an accident or medical emergency. You should also inform NZERN of any medical conditions or food allergies.
A. Yes, they exist in every town in New Zealand.
A. Yes, Mrs P adopts all interns.
Q. What hours is the NZERN office open?
A. Normal hours are Monday to Thursday 9am -5pm. Friday 9am - 12noon. The office is also open at other times by prior arrangement. Each day starts with a brief staff meeting at 9am. The office is fully equipped. Tea and coffee are supplied.
Q. What it's like to volunteer for NZERN?
A. Its fun. Every intern has said they have found NZERN better than other internships they have done. Interns and volunteers are treated as equals.
A. Tasks vary, and include what ever needs to be done. Your internship description is quite accurate. Lots to do and attention to detail. You will normally be given a little "test" job so we can see how capable you are, then you could expect to be given plenty of challenges.
A. No, smoking is not allowed at the NZERN office or on the premises.
Q. Who is in charge of the office?
A. The Office Manager is in charge. This person is Dave Evans on Mondays and Mike Peters on Tuesdays to Fridays.
A. Yes - hours can be set to take into consideration individual needs. Time off can be arranged, however this would need to be discussed beforehand. Part time interns will be expected to do a minimum of 2 regular days a week from 9am to 5pm chosen from Monday to Thursday.
Q. What is gained from the experience?
A. NZERN is organised as both a working and learning experience. We encourage interns and volunteers to take responsibility as their experience and skills develop. There is lots of real work to do. We all share making the coffee, answering the phones and answering the door.
One GIS intern spent 2 weeks doing online tutorials in order to be able to learn a new GIS skill. It was good for him to learn these skills. He then completed a job using his new skills.
Q. Do you work in isolation or with others?
A. No, the NZERN office is busy. NZERN is a national organisation with a great network. You will have plenty of personal contact with other staff and with volunteers coming in at different times. NZERN provides a friendly working environment.
Q. How many employees does NZERN have, and how many volunteers?
A. NZERN has no paid staff. There are 50 volunteers in NZ. Most live in different regions. There are usually 5 people in the office each day.
Q. Do you get more foreigners like me in your organisation? Or is it mostly local people?
A. Both! We currently have 2 Americans, 1 Austrian, and 1 German. A French man starts in May. Interns from any country are very welcome. The 50 regular volunteers are New Zealanders, most of whom work via the internet from other regions.
We also have students from local universities who do short projects of 50 hours. They carry out the project work at their university or in the field.
Q. I heard that NZERN has great cakes?
A. Yes, one of the great NZERN traditions is Cake Time! Many volunteers and interns take turns at making a cake and bringing it in for testing. Mrs P has also been known to put on the odd treat.
Q. How experienced is the Bush Telly Film Crew?
A. Most have some kind of industry experience. For example Mike worked 3 years in a set workshop as an engineer and has been an art director. There is also a set carpenter who worked on King Kong. A local camera crane operator has offered the use of his gear (used in LOTR). Derek and Daniel have short film making experience. Phil worked for BBC Natural History for many years in various technical fields.
Q. What skills do I need to join the Bush Telly Film Crew?
A. The Bush Telly Film Crew welcomes inexperienced people keen to learn as well as people with industry experience. The crew are conservationists with a lot of natural history knowledge who are learning the art of natural history documentary film making. All production work is being done to professional standards. All kinds of skills are needed including: camera work, story boarding, research and writing, directing, sound, editing, recreating habitats in an aquarium for close up shots, fundraising, contra deals and sponsorship. Suitable unskilled volunteers will have the opportunity to learn on the job.
Q. What sort of natural history productions are being made?
A. The crew are making Radio and DVD documentaries. There are 65 stories in pre production (2005) set in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. The documentaries are for public broadcast, public libraries, information centres and to be given to local conservation groups. All stories will be in radio format and some will become DVD's as well. A wealth of extra material will be added to the DVD's to encourage public involvement in ecological restoration. An internet radio station will go online in June 2006.
A. The Bush Telly Station Manager is in charge. This person is Derek Keller.
A. If you are here for several months or more, production of a show reel will be encouraged. You will need to book time on the editing suite, when it is not being used for production.
Q. What sort of gear is available?
A. There is a modern digital editing suite with Avid Liquid 7. There is also professional sound field equipment. There is no lighting gear. You need to bring your own digital camera. More equipment is being purchased with grants. In 2006, we are hoping to move to a building with space for a small TV studio and control room.
A. Tapes and batteries will be supplied for your digital camera. You will need to insure your digital camera. Your camera is for your use alone.
Q. Where is the Film Crew web page?
A. Here.
Q. I am a professor, how can I arrange projects for my students?
A. You need to contact NZERN so a formal meeting can be arranged to discuss what might be possible. This meeting can take place by telephone.
Q. What projects are available?
A. NZERN has many projects available for students at all levels and fields of study. There are also projects suitable for whole classes. Projects are available in all parts of New Zealand. The projects are designed to benefit students and conservation.
Q. Is there any written information available?
A. An information sheet for professors will be provided shortly on this website.
Q. Do we need to sign an agreement?
A. Yes, NZERN requires a formal agreement. It helps formalise an ongoing relationship between NZERN and your University. An agreement is also required to protect the privacy of landowner information which may be provided. A simple letter can be drafted up on your departmental letterhead which sets out the arrangement and will be signed by the two parties.
Q. Can an NZERN speaker come to my class?
A. Yes, a speaker can be provided by NZERN to talk to your class. NZERN regularily provides speakers for university classes, workshops, conferences, public meetings, etc.