About the Organization

Most internship opportunities will be organized through staff of ecological organizations such as the Department of Conservation (DoC) which often require volunteers and interns to assist with their conservation projects. The Department of Conservation is the central government organization charged with conserving the natural and historic heritage of New Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders. Its mission is "to conserve New Zealand's natural and historic heritage for all to enjoy now and in the future".

The Department manages or administers on behalf of New Zealanders:

•national parks and forest parks

•reserves and conservation areas

•protected indigenous forests

•protected inland waters and wild and scenic rivers

•indigenous/native wildlife

•non-commercial freshwater fisheries

•historic places on conservation land

•marine reserves and protecting marine mammals offshore islands set aside for conservation.

The location of internships will vary depending upon the project, and may be on either the North or South Islands of New Zealand.

Job Description

Student interns will be selected to work on diverse conservation projects located throughout New Zealand. The types of conservation projects available vary from year to year and may include the following (NOTE: interns will be selected to work on only one project): mainland island projects, native bird recovery programs, freshwater surveys and wetland restoration, plant surveys and weed control, lizard surveys and predatorcontrol, marine reserve research, and bat surveys.

Current Field Opportunities:

Native Bird Recovery Programmes/ Plant Surveys and Weed Control at Boundary Stream:

Boundary Stream Mainland Island encompasses the 800 hectare Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve situated on the eastern flanks of the Maungaharuru Range, about 60 km northwest of Napier. It spans and represents a whole altitudinal sequence from lowland forest to montain forest environments. The management of Boundary Stream Mainland Island as a nature restoration project began in 1996. This includes:

•control of introduced mammals to low levels - includes deer, pigs, goats, possums, rats, cats, stoats, ferrets, weasels and hedgehogs;

•control of introduced plants;

•monitoring of forest health;

•re-establishing native plants and animals formerly present;
scientific research;

•maintaining and upgrading recreational facilities

•providing interpretation and publications.

Visit the Boundary Stream website for more details.

Conservation and Advocacy Programming/ Native Flora and Fauna Research at Nga Manu Nature Reserve:

Nga Manu is a 40 acre nature reserve located in Waikanae, New Zealand just north of Wellington. The reserve holds one of the largest remanent lowland coastal swamp forests in the Kapiti Coast region. The Nature Reserve has a range of over 700 plant species along with a diverse range of native animals. The reserve provides a unique educational experience for the general public and school groups. Intern may assist with the following:

•Assist with research of native flora and fauna at Nga Manu Nature Reserve

•Help run conservation advocacy programmes based at the Reserve.

•Assist with daily activities of running the reserve such as working with the public, assisting with education groups, helping care for the reserve's wildlife.

Visit the Nga Manu Nature Reserve website for more details.

# of Positions per term

Up to 6

Start Dates

Internships occur during New Zealand’s summer field season (US winter).

Duration of Internship

10 Weeks Minimum (October - March Possible)

Academic Background

Most internship opportunities are biological in nature and students should have some science background. Basic biology and previous field experience would be helpful.

Skills/Experience

It is extremely important that participants have a high level of physical fitness and agility and be able to accurately record data. Previous camping and backpacking experiences a plus. Interns should have knowledge of map and compass use. Students must be capable of strenuous work and long days. Duties are very demanding and physical in nature. Interns may be walking long distances carrying heavy packs. Projects involve being out in all weather conditions. Interns may be camping at times or staying in small huts, thus they must be able to get along with several people in tight living conditions.

Language Ability

English

Other Requirements

Open-mind and interest in working in a variety of areas of conservation.

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee* for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

*The program fee noted above reflects the anticipated fee increase that will go into effect for the Fall 2010 term and will apply to all terms thereafter.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	$2000
Visa Fees
Recommended Immunizations

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$250 NZ
Food	$500 NZ
Local Transportation	$250 NZ
Recreation	$200 NZ
Personal Expenses	$200 NZ

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

Boundary Stream: accommodation will generally be provided. Conditions may vary, but most likely will be in tents or huts.
Nga Manu: Assistance locating accomodation will be provided.
Interns must be able to handle camping conditions for either site.

Duration:
Boundary Stream: Ten weeks to 3 months, available Winter term only.

Nga Manu Nature Reserve: 10 weeks to 5 months, January through May only.