My Voice, May 2021

MAY 2021

NorthTec is the largest tertiary education provider in Northland

23,974

TOTAL JOB OPENINGS IN NORTHLAND

FROM 2017 - 2022

In a recent MyQ survey,

91% of graduates expressed overall satisfaction with NorthTec and 75% felt their qualification helped

At NorthTec, our vision is

BETTER LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION

their chances of getting a job.

The first year of tertiary education is now FEES-FREE for many New Zealanders.

The fees-free scheme applies to students who are enrolling for tertiary education for the first time.

NorthTec offers a range of flexible study options – study part-time or even online

For further info visit www.feesfree.govt.nz

We teach applied learning, which means all programmes are hands-on with opportunities for fieldwork, industry projects and work placements.

www.northtec.ac.nz 0800 162 100

“WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER”

CONTENTS 4 7 8 10 14 16 18 20

Youth week Lets get together and celebrate Youth Week

4

My Voice: Alyssa Paki Voice of hope Bernina Northland Fashion Awards My Voice: Macee Latimer How to snag a scholarship What are your options?

8

10

14 3

YOUTH

WEEK “A space for the geek, the maker and the breaker in us all.”

T

hat is how Questionable Research

places and is now being run in the

Labs is described by organiser

ground floor of Manaia House at

Science and Technology Group, the

Kevin Waugh.

Rathbone St, Whangarei.

Robotics Group, Technohackers Coding

“It’s where kids can be curious

The club has grown to more than 60

There is a Geek Girls Group, the

Group and the teen Questionable

and try out different ideas. It is an

active members aged between nine

Projects Group, and just recently a

idea incubator where kids can

and 17.

Game Playing and Making Group.

feel comfortable and curiosity is appreciated.

“We play with all things related to science, design and engineering,’’ Kevin says.

The youth club has grown substantially since starting as a Whangarei coding club in 2015.

It outgrew several different meeting

Groups have evolved into five after-

The Geek Girls Group meets on

school groups for all ages and one

Mondays after school and explores

evening group especially for teenagers.

“anything geekie and tech”, including

Kevin says he started the club

game development, graphic design,

when his own children were looking

music making, video making, coding or

for an outlet for their own interests in

even wildly creative mechanical projects.

computers.

Facilitated by Verena Pschorn, the

“It has been a slowly mutating format since then,’’ he says.

group’s projects range from simple to very complex, and members “figure it

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4

“WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER” out on the way. The weirder the better, as long as it is fun’’.

“There is something on every night of

in a weekend Game Development

the week,’’ Kevin says.

He says making experimentation

competition against university students and professional developers.

youths aged over nine on Tuesdays after school and tackles all sorts of

fun and pushing boundaries is how young people learn best and he

They achieved a first place in creative design and second overall for their

experiments. Last term focused on electricity, but topics from psychology

enjoys seeing the light switch on when they work on ideas.

innovative game.

Last year two teams competed

to rockets have been tackled.

Every term has a different topic

“Our experiments combine art, design, science and engineering.

in GovHack, a large Australian and New Zealand competition to build an

chosen by popular vote.

The Technohackers Coding group

Technology is the intersection point for all of those interests.

application that uses open government data for social good. One of their

helps each other to learn computer coding and the Robotics Group requires

“We are always playing with ideas and there are many that have the

projects received honourable mentions from the international sponsors.

some advanced coding knowledge.

There is also Game Night in the Lab,

potential to become a real thing which could earn money,’’ he says.

Former members have gone on to university and have studied diverse

where teens can meet on Friday nights from 6.30pm to play creative and

The school holidays are a busy time for the club where young people

subjects such as astrophysics, computer science, medical science,

imaginative games. Games include, but are not limited to, board games, card

hang out socialise and collaborate on projects.

engineering and media studies.

“It is always interesting to see what

games and Dungeons and Dragons.

An adult food-tech weekend day has

Kevin says members participate in national and international competitions.

they go on to do with their lives.’’

been run and additional adult events will happen over the year.

Last year 13 teens travelled to Auckland University and competed

More information can be found at www.questionable.org.nz

Science and Technology welcomes

Discover your goals and start chasing them.

5

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Did you know you may not be fully immunised against measles?

Measles is a serious disease that can make you very sick.

Get immunised for FREE at your GP, Hauora Clinic or participating Pharmacy.

For more information visit www.northlanddhb.org.nz

!'- ,*"* $.- -' %)# *.' +(-&-,*"* That the generations yet to come $(&& +-"$ %#! ,"'-(*)

“WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER”

Let’s get together and celebrate Youth Week

By Shannan Wong, Youth Week Director

W

e’re stronger together when

In collaboration from CCS Disability

we amplify young people and

Action and Deaf Aotearoa the theme

last year due to the Level 4 rāhui this

acknowledge their capacity

reflects the commitment to ensure that

was unable to happen. This year in

to contribute to community!

Youth Week 2021 (held 8-16 May) creates space for young people to

with in person events and gatherings;

all young people are able to engage

person gatherings and events are back

with Youth Week.

and will be better than ever!

“We have been overwhelmed and

Additionally, to create a physical

design, develop and deliver ways

inspired by the diverse communities

representation of the theme the Youth

to uplift their wellbeing and that

that are eager to amplify young people,

Week team are asking your young

of their whānau and communities.

their capacity to contribute and offer

people to contribute to their first ever

Ara Taiohi (the peak body for

spaces of celebration” says Shannan

nationwide paper weaving craft project.

youth development) is the kaitiaki

Wong, Director of Youth Week.

(caretaker) of Youth Week (held 8-16

Ara Taiohi received over 80

May), an annual festival of events

applications from young people and

where we as a nation are able to

community organisations across

You can find out more and get involved by heading over to: youthweek.org.nz.

celebrate our young people, their

Aotearoa. Local events in Te Tai Tokerau,

Local event organiser:

strengths, talents and resilience.

Northland include an inclusive and

Sharon Carroll

adaptable day of sport run by Parafed

This year’s theme, “We’re Stronger Together!”, chosen by young people,

North and a free Youth community

Active Recreation and Community Sports Coordinator

reflects a commitment to the wellbeing

event including panels hosted by

M: +64 272653227

of all of Aotearoa, and the important

Whangarei Youth Space.

E: sharon@parafednorthland.co.nz

role young people play in this.

Traditionally Youth Week is celebrated

NorthTec’s Bank Street Campus suits a range of flexible study options and workshops with opportunities for public room hire.

City Centre Learning Hub 38 Bank Street Whangārei MON-FRI: 9am - 5pm SAT: 10am - 1pm 7

MY VOICE:

“It’s been a real highlight working with the engineers and I can definitely see this as my future career.”

Alyssa Paki hangārei-based Alyssa Paki

W

future of our industry, and we are big

was looking to do “something

supporters of assisting them with a

a bit different” after five years

career in energy. We have a number

of working in retail with limited future

of trainees, graduates and cadets who

prospects. She was a recipient of an

work alongside our teams, gaining

electrical training cadetship with our

invaluable on-the-job experience that

partners People Potential and simply

helps sets them up with great prospects

excelled during the course.

for their future.

In 2022 we’ll be offering an amazing

Part of the cadetship included six weeks of in-house training working

cadetship opportunity through MIT

alongside people in our network team

to a select number of students who have successfully completed the first

in Whangāaei. Alyssa’s potential shone through, and encouraged, she

to help out with projects, work

year of their NZ Diploma in Electrical

applied for a Northpower engineering

alongside the engineers and go on

Engineering (Level 6) course. If you’re

scholarship and was one of fourteen

site visits to see what they do on a

successful, you’ll be employed on a

recipients from over 100 applicants

daily basis”, says Alyssa.

fixed term agreement as an Engineering

across the North Island.

Alyssa’s achievements are a

Cadet, based at one of our depots

fantastic example of what can happen

throughout the North Island. You’ll be

a fully paid NZ Diploma in Engineering

when opportunities are provided to

paid while you complete on the job

in partnership with Manukau Institute

underutilised talent, giving pathways to

learning while undertaking residential

of Technology (MIT), and provides paid

a bright future in the electricity supply

study. We’ll also pay your course fees for

on-the-job experience with us during

industry. “It’s been a real highlight

the remainder of your studies.

the duration of their studies.

working with the engineers and I can

The three-year scholarships offered

Alyssa is relishing the opportunity to work alongside our team. “I get

definitely see this as my future career.”

Talented young people are the

You can find out more about the opportunities on offer and how to apply on our website.

Go to our website to find out more and register for opportunities in our cadet programmes: https://northpower.com/company/careers/trainees-cadets-and-graduates)

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Go to our website "+ /,* +4" 1+&( 2,* &(%!$"(& '+& +))+&"4,!"!($ !, +4& 02*(" )&+%&211($. northpower.com/company/ careers/trainees-cadets-andgraduates NorthpowerNZ

NORTHLAND YOUTH VOICE HELPS TO TURN UP SADD VOLUME

SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving) is a student-led, peer-to-peer road safety organisation empowering young Kiwis to prevent loss on our roads.

SADD gives youth a voice to effect and inspire safe road user behaviours. Students also find support and a platform to amplify their voices to spread safe road user messages to their communities, becoming youth agents for change. They recognise and appreciate dangers on the road are often underestimated.

Leading up toYouth Week, SADD is running conferences in Wellington and Dunedin during April to enable young leaders to come together with other passionate teens, and road safety groups, to discuss ways to take action to prevent further harm on our roads.

James Graham, SADD National Leader from 20192020 says, “It was at my first conference in 2019 that I first found my why. I discovered why road safety was so important to me and it gave me motivation and passion to make a difference, and I know that this has been the case for many others.”

Contact mia@sadd.org.nz to find out more about how you can support SADD and our leaders to create a road safety culture.

COMPETITION: SADD is right behind Northland Road SafetyTrust’s short film competition inviting students to talk about the dangers of distracted driving and offer solutions to help our community to stop using their phones whilst driving.There are some awesome prizes to be won for your school – 1stPlace $3000, 2ndplace $1500, 3rdplace $500, entries close 21/05/21, contact ashley@roadsafenorth.co.nz for more information.

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

- Walt Disney

VOICES OF HOPE

V

oices of Hope, founded by Jazz Thornton and Genevieve Mora aims to create and

implement change for mental health,

whilst providing hope through the voices of those with lived experience.

Through advocacy, campaigning and storytelling, Voices of Hope produces strategy and content with the intent to influence global, communal and individual change.

JAZZ THORNTON Having overcome childhood abuse and multiple suicide attempts, Jazz has

My Journey Starts Here is a guided journal filled with the tools Voices of Hope co-founders and mental illness survivors Jazz and Gen used in their recovery. It is filled with activities that aim to improve your mental well-being and this physical resource can be used by different people in all walks of life facing a variety of challenges. Just remember it’s okay to ask for help, it’s okay to start again, it’s okay to say no, it’s okay to rest, it’s okay to let go and it’s okay to not be okay.

GENEVIEVE MORA Genevieve Mora, 26, spent most of her teenage years battling mental illness.

now dedicated her life to speaking hope and creating change in the area of mental health. Jazz co-

She is now a proud survivor and has made it her mission to offer hope to those fighting mental

founded Voices of Hope and her unique experience and practical message has

illness. Genevieve co-founded Voices of Hope and through this uses her

gained worldwide recognition, being shared through media, international speaking engagements and in her

lived experience to show people that recovery is possible and that there is no shame in having a mental illness.

upcoming feature film, The Girl on the Bridge. Jazz is also the award-winning director of Jessica’s Tree and her book,

She has created a YouTube channel to connect and speak about her

named in the Whitcoulls Top 100, Stop Surviving Start Fighting is out now.

journey further and has co-founded an upcoming global eating disorder app resource, Love your Kite.

STREAMING EVERYWHERE & HERE FOR YOU

Download the App

www.iheart.com

10

+ OVER 250,000 PODCASTS

YOUR MUSIC, YOUR RADIO STATIONS, YOUR PODCASTS, ALWAYS FREE

“WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER” What advice would you give to someone who wants to have open

Does mental health illnesses have any

conversations about mental health?

signs? What are some ways to deal / combat this?

Mental health advice/tips to assist with people struggling

Jazz: There is so much fear around it - fear of saying the wrong thing

Jazz: It’s really hard as everyone is so different, there are some key warning

• We believe getting professional help is very important

but the most important thing to remember is that if you ask someone

signs like starting to isolate or disassociate, enjoying things less or starting to turn up

if they are struggling, that does not make them struggle. You are simply

late as disorganisation is a big one but also you don’t want to take every signal to

opening the door for them to be able to have the conversation and that’s

be like ‘oh my gosh this person is suicidal’ but I honestly think the biggest thing

all people who are struggling want they want to be able to feel like they

we can do is to make sure we’re having those conversations with our friends so if

• Go outside and get some fresh air.

can reach out but often it is up to other people around them to be like

someone is starting to feel that way, they feel like they can have that conversation

‘hey are you ok’ without the fear of planting an idea in their head.

without feeling like they have to wait until they’re in crisis. There are signs and it’s so

• Plant your feet on the ground and imagine that roots are holding you down. Focus on that feeling.

Gen: For me I felt a lot of shame for fighting mental illness as there is

different for everyone, people often say ‘we never knew, they were the happiest person’

such a stigma around it and what we do at Voices of Hope is storytell and

but I do wonder if we were having the conversations of ‘how are you really’....

share people’s lived experiences and by doing that allows others to feel

Gen: We’re all guilty of ‘how are you? Good?

Ok sweet bye’ but actually taking a moment

safe to do the same so it’s a really powerful tool. People won’t feel alone

to listen and dig a bit deeper - really how are you? It’s simple conversations like that,

as they would fighting by themselves.

that can open amazing things.

• Remind yourself of what you are fighting for • Have a list of people in your phone that you can contact immediately • Write a letter to your future FREE self • Have a list of distractions. Use this list when things get too much.

• BREATHE!

• Cold flannel (facecloth) on your forehead.

• Stress ball or fidget spinner (something to keep yourself busy) • Exercise • Imagine you’re on the beach or in a peaceful place. Talk yourself through that scenario.

• Remind yourself that anxiety passes.

Sitting with it and not giving in to the anxiety will mean you start to take control.

• Five things activity… say out loud 5 things you see, hear, and feel.

Where to get help: • LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (24/7) • YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 • NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (24/7) • KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) • DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202 • NATIONAL ANXIETY 24 HR HELPLINE: 0800 269 4389 if it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

• Have a shower or bath.

• Something positive to focus on - a vision board, scrapbooking etc.

• Routine gives security.

LAUGH OUT LOUDER AT ANY TIME OF DAY LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW ON

11

WE’VE GOT WHAT YOU NEED

DEGREES AT NORTHTEC

You don’t have to go to uni to get your degree.

You can stay right here in Northland and study a bachelor degree.

All the degrees offer hands-on real life training opportunities.

Our NorthTec degree programmes are: • Bachelor of Nursing

• Bachelor of Applied Social Work • Bachelor of Applied Management

• Maunga Kura Toi – Bachelor of Māori Art

• Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual or Digital Arts)

Other degree programmes are able to be completed through NorthTec in Whangārei: • Bachelor of Sport and Recreation (AUT)

• Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) (Unitec)

www.northtec.ac.nz 0800 162 100

WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER BE? NorthTec graduate Lauren Taylor says that moving to university in Auckland didn’t pay off for her.

Lauren, 25, said: “It would be an understatement to say that it was a shock to the system. My rent was more than my student loan payments, I was living in an unfamiliar city, working part time, and struggling to pass my course.”

It wasn’t until she returned to Whangārei that Lauren found her “safe place” at NorthTec. She says: “I became much more selfaware and have learned my limits, which will be so important when working in high-stress situations.

“Having classmates from a variety of backgrounds, ages and cultures was very different to my time spent at university. The diversity meant that I always had support, advice and aroha enveloped around me. I never felt like I was facing challenges alone. NorthTec was a far better option for me academically and emotionally.

“Today I am working full-time and using my new knowledge to awhi others who are struggling with similar challenges that I faced. I am contributing positively to my community, my own health and wellbeing and feeling more prepared to meet new challenges.”

“

By enrolling at NorthTec, and staying in Tai Tokerau Northland, you are able to reduce living costs (compared with studying at university) and you will continue to receive whānau support, while gaining a high quality education.

”

Jon Smith, Director, Product and Delivery

AUCKLAND

WHANGĀREI

PAYING RENT ... $209 to $293 week

$127 to $153 week (shared 3 bedroom accommodation)

CATCHING A BUS ... $35 week

$20 week (1 zone return, 5 days a week)

AT THE DOCTOR’S ... $60 visit (not enrolled)

FREE

(at Te Whare Hauora)

IN A CLASS OF ...

50+

12 to 20

COMPLETING YOUR COURSE ...

88% completion rate (University of Auckland)

91% completion rate (A degree at NorthTec)

Figures from the University of Auckland website and NorthTec 2019 Statement of Performance.

Bernina Northland Fashion Awards

T

he Tai Tokerau Artisan Fashion Trust, in partnership with Bernina,

is delighted to announce they have taken over the ownership and organisation of the Bernina Northland Fashion Awards for 2021 and beyond.

After the disruption with COVID19 of 2020, the event had to be cancelled,

focus to introducing Northland youth and adults to fashion and wearable art design, and garment creation.

Working in conjunction with schools to integrate with their textile programmes, the Trust believes that future careers can be launched, and a vibrant artist

community can be supported. Fashion and design is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, and former winners of the Bernina Northland Fashion Awards have gone on to work in New York & London, amongst others.

This year’s event is set for Saturday 23rd of October at Forum North in

and the organising body felt it was better to pass it on to an organisation

Whangarei, with both a matinee

that was solely focussed on delivering a top class event, that provided the stage

prizegiving. Bernina is again supplying a major prize for designer of the year,

for our awesome creative community to showcase their amazing talent.

and other sponsors have generously

The Trust is excited to bring a fresh

ENTER NOW

www.northlandfashionawards.org.nz/enter-nowscholarship

BREE & CLINT WEEKDAYS 3PM–7PM 14

and main evening show including

provided a great prize pool.

So start getting your ideas together, talk to your textile teacher or contact Bernina Northland to get your project underway. Happy creating!

94.8FM

HANDS-ON LEARNING PAYS OFF FOR BELLA NorthTec graduate Bella Wati says that she has always been a hands-on learner and that’s why she loved studying at NorthTec. “I loved being outside and actually learning while I was doing the work.

There was a bit of paperwork to do as well, but with the help that NorthTec provided me I was able to fly through it and pass everything.

“Through doing work placements while I studied I was able to get a full-time job because I knew exactly what I had to do in the industry. The

Learn new skills here in Tai Tokerau KAITAIA KERIKER RI KAIKOHE WHANGĀREI With campuses D ARGAVILLE and learning centres throughout the region, you can learn new skills and get ready for a new future, all without leaving home.

course prepared me so well for this job because I learnt exactly what a day in the life of a dairy farmer looked like – the course gave me everything that I needed to know and I learnt so much in the course that I am now able to run a farm by myself!”

Bella was recently named 2021 Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Bella also won 2 Merit Awards, the NorthTec Farming Knowledge Award and the Northland Field Days Communication and Engagement Award.

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE For more information email: promotion@northtec.ac.nz or visit www.northtec.ac.nz/discover

OPEN DAY

Whangārei: Wednesday 7 July 12pm-2.00pm Venue: Raumanga Valley Road, Whangārei

CAMPUS TOURS

Visit our campuses for a tour and a chance to chat with our staff. Contact the relevant campus or email: promotion@northtec.ac.nz

STUDENT FOR A DAY

Student for a Day is an ideal opportunity to spend a day experiencing tertiary study.

Book a suitable day: promotion@northtec.ac.nz

www.northtec.ac.nz 0800 162 100

MY VOICE:

Macee Latimer

M

acee Latimer is in her first year of Whangarei A&P Society’s Farm Intern Programme. She is

enjoying connecting a love of farming with her education and is planning to take over the family dairy farm one day. Macee’s best friend on farm is her dog Digger, who is busy learning to be

What is your favourite thing about

job. And it doesn’t matter if you didn’t

a top-class farm dog! Macee is proud

living and working on farm? On my

grow up on a farm, there are people

to be living and working on farm in Northland while completing her Level 3

farm the owners are really cool. When I have made the odd mistake, they

doing the course that don’t have any experience. I really love going to class

NZ Certificate in Agriculture.

always say mistakes are part of the

too at the start the week, networking

learning journey. I also love cows, well

with all the other likeminded students.

How did you find out about the intern programme? I connected with the

animals of all kinds and I REALLY like

programme in several different ways. I first heard about it because my friend

driving tractors.

What is the most important thing

home? Living away from home did feel a bit strange at first, but it has been

How have you found moving out of

Tamsin started last year and loved

you have learnt so far this year? I have

good to get some independence and

it. Then I saw the A&P Society at the

learnt that the best way to learn is to

learn some new skills.

Northland Field Days and had a good

give everything a go and to always ask

chat with our course coordinator where I thought yes this is for me!

lots of questions.

Would you

Why did you want to get your Level 3

recommend the

in Ag? I’ve never wanted to do anything

programme to

but farming, so I thought this would be a

others? Yes

good place to start. I really liked the idea of being on farm and learning on the

definitely. If farming is what you want

job. I was already doing Ag at school,

to do, follow your

well Primary Industries, which gave me

dreams and sign

some good basic knowledge and I grew

up! This is a great

up on a dairy farm, so I’ve been farming my whole life.

way to get into farming while learning on the

Need

And finally, tell us about your dog Digger! He is very cute but a bit of a menace! Great for us to be learning on the job together

$9,000

for study?

Apply for Whangarei A&P Society’s agricultural scholarship

EXPO WEDNESDAY 11TH AUGUST

Whangarei – Barge Showgrounds Event Centre

THURSDAY 12TH AUGUST

Far North - Pamu Farms Kapiro Station

16

barking at the cows to help move them along and he loves running alongside the quad when we’re off on a farm job.

whangareiap.org.nz/ education/our-scholarship

FIND YOUR FUTURE

The Find Your Future Expo is an interactive career expo that allows students to explore career possibilities in Northland’s professional primary industries.

though! He’s just started

Want to attend the Expo?

See your school for details or email business@wap.org.nz

How to snag a scholarship

A

dam Goldwater knows all about scholarships. A careers evening at school opened his eyes to the

number of scholarships out there for the taking. An aspiring horticulture student,

“When going to uni, you have to pay quite high fees, but it means you can come out pretty much debt-free if you work hard and keep getting scholarships.”

he discovered a cluster of horticulture scholarships available on Massey

Step 2: Make sure you qualify

not really interested. Allow yourself

University’s website.

Read through the scholarship

securing the Zespri and Horticulture New

you meet the criteria. Make a list of

plenty of time to put care and effort into your application. Try to do everything you can to show that you

Zealand scholarships in his first year at

the scholarships you are qualified to

are deserving of the award. Be tidy, be

university. The following year he won

apply for.

thorough and be timely.

Step 5: Do a final check Check, check, and recheck. Use this

He applied, and was successful in

information carefully to make sure

three more scholarships, each helping to relieve some of the financial burden

Step 3: Gather your information

of university study.

To apply for a scholarship, you will most likely need to fill out forms and

checklist to make sure you are ready to submit your application:

my degree, only during the summer,”

supply documents to support your

•

said Adam. “When going to uni, you

application. You need to collect,

Fill in the application forms carefully.

have to pay quite high fees, but it

make copies of, and certify all the

means you can come out pretty much

necessary documents to support

• •

Check for spelling mistakes.

Provide all the necessary

“I didn’t have a part-time job during

debt-free if you work hard and keep

your application. You may also be

getting scholarships.”

asked to attend an interview with the

•

supporting documents.

Get copies of documents certified.

selection panel.

• •

Meet the closing date.

Make copies of every application sent.

Provide current contact details.

5 steps to scholarship success Step 1: Know what’s on offer

Step 4: Make a good impression

Most libraries provide free access to the

A sloppy, late or incomplete

•

givME database. Get to know the full

application might cause the selection

•

range of scholarships available to you

panel to think that the scholarship is

Get someone to check over your application – they might pick up

so you don’t miss out on anything.

not important to you or that you are

something you’ve missed.

18

What are your options?

B

y now, you’ve probably got

What are your hobbies?

What is your personality type?

a good idea of the type of

This is how a lot of people decide

The Myers – Briggs personality test will

courses you should apply for.

what they want to study after

guide you to study areas that are in

Your choice of subject area will

secondary school. You might think

harmony with your personality type. Just

influence the choice of institution

you want to be a scientist, but if

remember, your selected personality

at which you want to enrol. For

you’ve always been good at art and

type is not set in stone – it reflects your

example, if you want to be a doctor,

love drawing pictures of buildings and

thoughts and feelings right now. That

you will need to enrol at one of the

funky designs, then maybe you should

could change subtly in the future … but

university medical schools (The

consider studying as an architect

for now, it’s a handy, quick tool to draw

University of Auckland or University

or draughtsperson. For some, the

your attention to relevant subject areas.

of Otago).

passion is even more personal. If

If you want to be an IT professional,

you’ve lost a family member to

Use government resources

you have a huge range of options,

cancer, you might be motivated to

Foremost among these is the Careers

from computer science degrees at

become a cancer researcher. Bear in

New Zealand courses database www.

university, polytechnic level diplomas

mind that you’re more likely to enjoy

careers.govt.nz/education-and-training.

or certificates, or qualifications

studying a subject you already love

If you’re a lazy Googler, this website is a

from specialised IT private training

rather than the subject you think – or

good place to start. You’ll find general

establishments. Each institute has

your parents or whānau think – you

information on hundreds of different

a different spin on the broader topic

should do.

study areas. Our advice: once you’ve

(some are hands-on, some are more

decided what subject areas interest

theoretical), so do your research and

What subjects have you most enjoyed

you, look on the individual institutions’

compare the courses before you apply.

at school?

websites to get specifics about those

This is a no-brainer. If you are a maths

courses. As with any third party website,

no idea what you want to study, right?

guru, why not consider studying to be

the information is not guaranteed to

My Voice has some suggestions to help

a mathematician or statistician? Is

reflect the latest changes. Go straight to

you narrow your search:

English awesome? Consider an arts degree. Enjoy history, te reo Māori, or

the source for that.

cultural studies? Continue your study

Will my course lead to a job?

in the social sciences or anthropology

Another consideration to study is your

It’s a bit more challenging if you have

20

at uni. Sometimes it doesn’t need

job prospects. Sure, a psychology

to be a school subject. Do you

or visual arts degree might sound

love hanging with your friends and

awesome, but the job prospects after

defusing their dramas? What about

graduating might not be as high as

studying youth work or social work?

other fields.

Story continued ...

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But what if you have no idea what you

every country you will need a visa to

want to do?

Don’t stress. You are at the beginning

enter. Research these on your chosen country’s government website.

that desperately needs workers, then

of the path to your future – not many people are certain of what they want

The glory of the gap year is that you can get a working holiday visa in some

finding a job will be relatively pain-free.

This is something you should look into

to do at this point. Many people change their minds repeatedly

countries, which allows you freedom to earn while you experience life abroad.

prior to enrolling. It also pays to think about what parts of the country employ

before they settle on a career path: it takes time.

Great first-up jobs for gap year Kiwis include working as an au pair (nanny),

the most people in different sectors; for example, Christchurch might have a

Sometimes, to get an idea of your future, it helps to look back. The same

summer camp work in the US, or as a snowboard instructor in Canada

higher demand for builders during the rebuild, than, say, Dunedin. Be aware

advice for study options applies to career options. What made you feel

or Europe. Casual work in hospitality (pubs, cafes, and restaurants) is a

that you may have to move to where the work is to land your first graduate

happiest or what do you feel came to you most naturally? Did you love

staple gap year income.

The reason it’s called a gap year

job. To make yourself attractive to potential employers, ensure you work

geography? Biology? Art? Think of your favourite school subjects, your

is because when you return to New Zealand, you then face the same

hard while studying in order to make your academic transcript something to

hobbies, even the sports you play (yes, being a professional athlete is

choice: study or full-time work. Many successfully get into a course, defer

be proud of, and something that gets you noticed.

a legitimate career choice – you just need amazing talent, perseverance,

their enrolment for a year, and then go off for their big OE for 12 months.

When deciding on a qualification, you should look at how well recognised it

and a bit of luck … although it’s a dream many may never achieve).

Unpaid work

is in the workforce; ask your teachers, parents, parents’ friends, whānau, and

From there, look into what companies have these jobs, and research them

If you’ve kept a part-time job following secondary school, then

careers counsellors which institutions and courses are well regarded in the

online.

It might pay to contact a place that

you could try and set up some work experience or an internship at a

area in which you want to study.

looks interesting to see if you can come in to have a look around for the day, or

company that you’re interested in.

This is a common practice in fashion

Get a job Decided that tertiary study isn’t for

set up a time to meet with someone who works there to talk about what is

and some media companies.

With many businesses under

you? At least not right now? No sweat, there are still plenty of options. You

required in their role. Refer to our sector profiles to get an idea of some different

financial pressure, jobs aren’t exactly being handed out at the door, but

can use your time to figure out if study might be an option further down the

jobs and sectors.

if you’re interning at a place on an ongoing basis, then you could be

track. This is something all students should consider if they are unsure

The gap year You don’t need to dive straight into

considered for a paid position when one becomes available.

what they want to be doing.

If you’ve been working a weekend or

a decision once you leave school.

The time-honoured big OE (overseas

Potential employers may also appreciate someone who is willing to

part-time job while at college, ask if they can bump your hours up once exams

experience) can show you the world in a way you only imagined in school. Take

help out for nothing, and it’s a great experience you can add to your CV.

have finished. This doesn’t have to be a permanent move, but it helps to keep

your pick where you go – the world is your oyster, and pearls of adventure lie

If interested in the not-for-profit sector, you could also use the

earning money while looking for a job that’s more suited to the career path

in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

However, every country has different

time to get into some volunteer work. Volunteering makes up a

you want.

visa requirements, and for almost

surprisingly huge sector in New Zealand, and help is always needed.

Continued ...

If you come away from a tertiary institution with a qualification in an area

Sometimes, to get an idea of your future, it helps to look back. The same advice for study options applies to career options. What made you feel happiest or what do you feel came to you most naturally? Did you love geography? Biology? Art? Think of your favourite school subjects, your hobbies, even the sports you play.

22

You can find out how organisations handle getting the job done on a shoestring budget, and feel proud that you’re helping parts of society that desperately need it.

COME WORK FOR US! We’re on the hunt for the next generation of ZM Black Thunders!

If you’re in year 12 or 13 and are keen to get some experience in the media industry all while earning some money too, then this is the perfect job for you! We’re looking for fun, outgoing and reliable students to come on board, if this sounds like a bit of you, then send us your CV and a bit about yourself.

ZMNorthland@nzme co nz land@nzme.co.nz

94.8FM