New Zealand

Welcome to Aotearoa - New Zealand – the land of the long white cloud. When you volunteer in New Zealand you will experience their vibrant culture - an exciting mixture of traditions and ethnicities from around the world mixed in with the “local” Maori culture. You will have the opportunity to work on exciting conservation projects, such as restoring bird habitats and reversing the rapidly declining coastal forests, while working alongside your Kiwi and international counterparts. Volunteers to New Zealand will start their programme with a 2 weeks Mauri culture course in the Hutt Valley – next to the capital city of Wellington at the bottom of the North Island.

Main Features

  • 2 weeks Mauri Culture Course
  • Projects: Environment, conservation, ecotourism, work with animals
  • From 3 to 24 weeks
Volunteers in New Zealand: 2 volunteers on a conservation project in New Zealand

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Projects

There are many interesting projects available in the categories listed below. The projects given here are an example of the projects in each category. Our goal is to match the skills and expectations of the participants with the needs of the local projects. Our volunteer coordinator in the field will suggest a project for you once they have your application. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.

You will work alongside other volunteers and local staff to plant trees, clear bush, protect native bird life, or other conservation jobs. During your time off you will be able to go for walks in the bush, swim in the rivers and lakes and generally relax and enjoy nature. It is important to be prepared for this time of isolation from the city as the only nightlife around are the local nocturnal birds! Most projects have limited access to the internet but it is a good idea to take some books and games with you. There are a limited amount of places for smokers as many project do not welcome smokers due to the fire risks.

Conservation and Ecotourism projects

Kapiti Conservation project

The Kapiti Project is a community based conservation project. Set up in 1997 to reverse the drastic decline of coastal forest, the project is aiming to create a continuous ribbon of bird-safe native forest running from Porirua through to Waikanae.

Volunteer activities will be flexible depending on the weather conditions but will most likely include some of the following: Weeding, seed collection, planting, nursery work, trapping and animal/bird watching.

You will stay with a host family in the local township and be able to visit nearby attractions in your time off. Wellington is a train ride away and day trips are possible.

Dolphin Conservation project

The project provides scenic wildlife cruises and guided or independent walks and needs volunteers to contribute towards dolphin research by crewing aboard our vessels during daily tours. Volunteer are required to search for dolphins using binoculars or the naked eye and use a camera to conduct photo ID of dolphins encountered on tours in the aims of determining where dolphins move and whom they move with over time. Additional tasks include (but are not limited to the following:

  • crewing the boat (assisting the skipper to tie alongside wharfs)
  • passenger safety during dolphin swimming or eco-cruise tours
  • cleanup/maintenance tasks along the Bird Sanctuary trail
  • overall public relations contributions towards providing passengers with a high quality experience aboard vessels
  • help clean wetsuits & gear after swim tours
  • general boat cleaning jobs when needed.

Rare Breeds conservation project

This project raise rare breeds of domestic livestock with a view to keeping the gene pools going. The volunteers take care of uncommon animals such as: Arapawa pigs, Kunekune pigs; Arapawa sheep, Gotland Pelt sheep, English donkeys; Sheltand ponies; Enderby island rabbits; poultry of various kinds including several breeds of heavy poultry, Sebastopol geese, and Bronze turkeys. Daily hours of work are negotiable over the 20 hour week and dependant on season and weather.

 

Social and Welfare Projects

Participants with an experience in youth work can participate in summer camps with young people from disadvantaged background.

Programme details

Arrival & Orientation

You will be picked up by your host family and taken to their home. You will then start your 2 weeks orientation and Maori Culture course. Once the orientation has finished you will travel to the project and start your volunteer work.

The Maori culture course

The Maori culture course is run by a Maori tutor who is an award winning kapa haka (dance and music) member. He is also next in line to be chief of one of the largest tribes in NZ. The course is practical rather than academic with an emphasis on “doing.” Tane, the tutor, will teach you the haka made famous by the All Blacks rugby team and simple weaponry. You will also get a vivid background look into the traditional way of life for the Maori, their traditional tales and myths, learn to introduce yourself, make and use poi, sing a song, weave something from flax and so much more. The course finishes with a trip to a local Marae (Maori meeting house) where you will stay overnight and the chance to lay a hangi (traditional underground oven) and cook dinner the “old” way. You will be presented with a certificate at the Marae showing that you have completed the course. The Maori believe that the best way to learn is to have something all around you – if you are up for a challenge and to try something new then this is the course for you!

The Maori Culture course starts February 1st , April 19 and July 5th 2010 and runs for two weeks. (If you wish to attend a course at another time please enquire). Classes vary each day depending on the activity but the whole course takes around 60 hours.

Accommodation

You will live with a local host family during the Mauri culture course. This is a unique opportunity to experience everyday life in New Zealand. The accommodation during the volunteer work is usually on site and depends on the project, it is generally bedroom or a dormitory to share with other volunteers, sometimes volunteers have a single room or stay in a host family.

Project

You will be assigned a volunteer project before arrival in New Zealand. After your course in school has finished you should travel to your project. You will be picked up from the nearest public bus or train station and taken to the site by your project co-ordinator. All the projects are in isolated parts of the country. Your co-ordinator will explain your daily routine which will vary from project to project and season to season. It is important to be prepared for this time of isolation from the city as the only nightlife around are the local nocturnal birds! Most projects have limited access to the internet but it is a good idea to take some books and games with you.

Start dates

You should arrive in Wellington on the weekend before the Mauri culture course starts. There are 3 courses for 2010 starting on: February 1st , April 19, July 5th

Other start dates can be arranged if there are more than 6 participants interested in starting a programme at a different date.

Visas

Irish citizens will not need to apply for a tourist visa in advance if they are staying less than 3 months. You need to have a passport that's valid for at least 3 months past the date you are to leave New Zealand, show evidence of your intention to leave; and provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.

The EIL Development Education Network

Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda.

The Application Process

Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although some countries can accept late applications, you should send your completed application 12 weeks in advance. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.

What you need to do:

  • Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, Euro 250 deposit, and recent CV.
  • Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
  • A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.

If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.

For more information about applying to volunteer with EIL please see How do I apply? or contact Anton.

Cost & Details

What is included

  • Pre-departure information and preparation workshop
  • Placement in project
  • Airport pick up and transfer to Wellington
  • Meals and accommodations during Maori Culture course or English course
  • Accommodations during volunteer project
  • Storage of excess luggage during post programme travel up to one year
  • Full assistance and back-up support for the duration of the programme
  • Free access to online TEFL resources
  • Debrief workshop on return to Ireland
  • Invitation to join the EIL Development Education Network

 

What is not included

  • Travel to and from New Zealand
  • Transportation to the volunteer project site
  • Passport and visa fees if any
  • Meals during the volunteer project
  • Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week)
  • Personal expenses

Costs

Duration Cost
4 weeks €1395
6 weeks €1445
8 weeks €1465
10 weeks €1485
12 weeks €1505
16 weeks €1545
20 weeks€1595
24 weeks€1665

Medical, liability and travel insurance available for €10 per week.

Prices are reviewed annually and may be updated in the first week of November.

Visit our WHY PAY? and FUNDRAISING pages.

Protect the environment: EIL Carbon offset system

Compensate for the CO2 that your flight will generate by helping to plant trees in Guatemala.

Photos & Videos

Videos: 

Currently there are no videos for this section. We're actively creating our own and adding ones contributed by people who have taken part in our programmes, so check back soon!

Photos: 
Volunteer Accommodation
Fencing in New Zealand
lunch break
Nice landscape
Get your hand dirty in New Zealand!
Volunteers shearing a sheep in New Zealand
Volunteers in New Zealand

Stories from the field

Stories from our volunteers: 

Currently there are no reports to display for this section, please check back soon as we're updating them as we receive accounts from our participants constantly.

Stories from international volunteers: 

My life as a “Kiwi Volunteer”
2 Dec 2009 - 4:31pm

When we don’t have any guests, we do track work to keep the tracks in a good condition. In my free time I have lots of opportunities: snorkelling, going for a walk, reading a book, sunbathing or just relaxing, enjoying the calm place, the nature and the amazing views. As the place is so isolated we only get the mail once a week with the mail boat and we have to order the grocery via Internet. I met so many great people, I had fantastic experiences and learnt a lot about myself and things which are really important in my life. One highlight was swimming with dolphins in front of the marina. I enjoyed my time out here so much and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to spend 3 months at such a beautiful place.

Read more...

Country info

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean made up of two main Islands - the North Island and the South Island - and numerous smaller islands. The first settlers, the Māori, named New Zealand Aotearoa or “The Land of the Long White Cloud.”

The population is mostly of European descent, with the Māori being the largest minority. However immigrants from all over the world have been moving to New Zealand since the early 1800’s and New Zealand is now made up of a cross section of many different cultural groups. Although things are not completely without tension for the most part these groups manage to live together in peace. Political power is held by the democratically elected government under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

New Zealand is the only country in the world in which all the highest offices in the land have been occupied simultaneously by women: Queen Elizabeth II, Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, Prime Minister Helen Clark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Margaret Wilson and Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias were all in office between March 2005 and August 2006. New Zealand's largest listed company, Telecom New Zealand, had a woman - Theresa Gattung - as its CEO at the time.

Environment

New Zealand is well known for its “clean, green” image and nuclear free stance. Few countries in the world can boast the range of bird life native to New Zealand shores. Unfortunately, many animals, birds and plants have become extinct over the last hundred years. Recently, New Zealand has taken a turn in its attitude and a great deal of effort is now being put into saving endangered wildlife and plants. New Zealand has led the world in island restoration projects, where offshore islands are cleared of introduced mammalian pests and native species are reintroduced.

With a population of a little over 4 million and a land mass roughly the same size as the UK, New Zealand has many rural areas and few cities. The Southern Alps that run the length of the South Island have some of New Zealand’s most “untouched” spots. While the famous towns of Rotorua and Queenstown offer tourists a glimpse into the culture and excitement that NZ has to offer. However there are chances for those wants to explore less touristy spots to get “lost in nature” virtually anywhere in the country. Few places are more than an hour or twos drive from the sea and mountains are as common as corner stores in other countries.

Language

New Zealand currently has 3 official languages (English, Maori and New Zealand Sign language), however less than 5% of the population are fluent in Maori and less than 1% in Sign. Most “Kiwis” (the common term for a New Zealander) speak a few words in Maori and it is now being taught in schools. A number of Maori words have been accepted into “Kiwi” English and are generally understood by the whole population. Most Kiwis are fluent only in English and tend to forget that those born in many other parts of the world learn several languages as a child. It is considered by many to be a “big deal” to speak a second language.

Money

Generally speaking, people in New Zealand earn less money for the same job than people in other countries. This gives Kiwis a different point of view. For example it is not common to give money as a present (like a $10 note in an envelope for a birthday etc.). Instead you would bring some food or snacks if you are invited to a friends house for a party.

But the handling of money is very easy in New Zealand. Most accounts are free of fees and you can pay for everything with your eftpos card (even a single beer in a pub). When you pay in the supermarket and some other shops you will be asked if you want to have “any cash out”? In this way you can get some money straight in the shop in addition to the amount you are paying. This saves you from going to the money machine and making an extra transaction.

All banks will change money for you and the rate is set so there is no need to “shop around” for the best deal. However we strongly recommend that you keep all but a little cash (say $50.00) in a bank account and use an eftpos card for most transactions.

Tips are not common here but some shops in the tourist areas have jars where you can put tips on the counter.

Food

For most families breakfast is a quick, simple meal of toast and or cereal with a drink. It is usual for each person (except young children) to get their own and in many houses this meal is eaten “on the run” rather than together. Even on the weekend there might not be much of a difference to weekday breakfasts. Lunch is mostly a “cut lunch” which is a sandwich on white bread, fruit and sometimes something sweet. It is not common to have a hot lunch, although that is slowly changing.

Dinner is the biggest meal of the day and most families would eat this together. It is common to eat meat of some sort at every evening meal. Most families also have a dessert every evening (pudding), often this is ice cream or fruit. Pre-packaged food or “TV dinners” are considered expensive and are not as common as in some other countries. Most meals are made from scratch, although packets and jars of “sauces” which you can add to your meat or vegetables are common.

Climate

The climate varies greatly from place to place in NZ although one thing is certain – the weather is always changeable! As most places are close to the sea the humidity is often higher that visitors are used to and the wind stronger. This makes people feel cold when they first arrive and we recommend that you wear layers at first to protect you from the wind and to help contain your body heat. Being in the Southern Hemisphere the season will be opposite for most visitors with summer Christmases and skiing in July.

NZ houses often have poor insulation and central heating is not common. This means that you may have to get used to wearing more clothing inside than you are used to. Those who will be working and or living in the bush should bring polypropylene tops and leggings to help keep warm – even in summer bush huts can be cold at night.

In New Zealand we have “Daylight Saving” during the summer time. Daylight Saving starts on the last weekend of September and ends on the first weekend of April. You have to put your clock/watch forward one hour in October and back one hour on the March in order to go back to the world-wide recognised time. During “Daylight Saving” time NZ’s time difference with your own country is one hour more than usual.

FAQ

Questions

Answers

  • Is it safe?

    We only place volunteers in locations where it is safe to do so. Traveling to a developing country can be challenging, but most people travel without encountering trouble.

    Volunteers are briefed on safety issues during the predeparture workshop, during the orientation in-country, by the host family.

    We have an emergency system in place with 24h emergency phones (in Ireland and overseas). It is advised to check government travel advice for your destination. Check the websites of the Irish Dept. of Foreign Affairs and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Also read the safety information that we send you and of course exercise caution in any country.

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  • Who volunteers?

    EIL volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds. Our volunteers are:

    • Students and young people willing to volunteer abroad during their holidays, between jobs or on a year out.
    • Office workers, teachers, farmers, nurses, engineers, factory workers, waiters and just about anybody wishing to help, take some time out or just looking for a different experience during their holidays.
    • Retired people who want to put their time and skills to good use.
    • Apprentices and students who need to complete an internship or work experience.
    • Youth clubs, family groups, clubs, school groups or groups of friends.

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  • Is the deposit refundable?

    The vast majority of the applicants are accepted in the programme but if your application is not successful, we will refund your deposit. Otherwise, the deposit is not refundable.

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  • Can I combine more than one country?

    It depends on the combination of countries. As we are dealing with two different programmes you will have two different programme fees. We may be able to look at a reduction of our administration fees but this is a small part of the fee. In the case of Latin American countries you may be able to do the language course in one of the countries thus reducing the fees in the other country. This will depend on our office in country and we need to make arrangements with them to do this.

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  • How long can I go for?

    Programme lengths vary from minimum 2 weeks to 11 months, depending on which country you choose. 2/3 weeks programmes are available in Guatemala, Thailand and Vietnam. Though if you choose to go for such a short period it is important to have realistic expectation as regard as what you can achieve.

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  • When can I go?

    You can join most of our programmes any time of year. Many of them have flexible start dates. We have set start dates in South Africa, Nepal, Nigeria, India, Morocco but they have at least one every month. If you are looking for a teaching placement we need to check the term times in that country.

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  • Will there be other volunteers going at the same time as me?

    If this is a priority for you to be placed with other volunteers we will indicate you the programmes where you are very likely to be with other volunteers. If there are volunteers going to the same destination at the same time we will put you in touch via e-mail so you can become acquainted. There may well be other international volunteers from other countries working with you. However, be prepared that you may be the only international volunteer there. This is a greater opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know local people if you are not relying on other volunteers. Be prepared that you may feel isolated or lonely sometimes. Accommodation in volunteer house and volunteer camps (with other international volunteers) are available in Thailand, Vietnam and India.

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  • How much does it cost?

    The programme fee varies depending on which country you choose and the length of programme. All the programme fees and what is included are on our website and in our country specific information sheets. To give an idea, programme fees start at €785. If the full length of language course isn’t needed, we maybe able reduce the programme fee. Our fees do not include flights, visas, vaccinations, medical and travel insurance, and personal expenses.

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  • What’s the difference between EIL’s volunteer abroad programme and others?

    • EIL is an established Irish not for profit intercultural learning organistion
    • We work with sister organisations who are members of the EIL worldwide network.
    • We will thoroughly analyse your profile, needs and expectation and match it with the most suitable volunteer programme
    • Our programme are flexible: placements are available in 15 couintries, from 2 weeks to 11 months with start dates year-round and a wide range of project is available
    • Volunteers are placed in local projects supporting local initiatives
    • We offer an authentic cultural experience including a full cultural orientation and most programmes include stay with host family.
    • Safety is the first priority: our volunteers have 24-hour support in country from our National office, the local co-coordinator as well as mentors on the project.
    • Our programmes fees are very competitive and cover accommodation, meals, transfers, support - with some exceptions.

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  • Why aren’t volunteers paid/given expenses?

    We place volunteers in local partner organisations in developing countries. These organisations need volunteers because they can't afford enough paid staff and are not in the position to offer expenses/pay volunteers. EIL and the partner organisations we work with are not for profit making organisations and depend on the support of volunteers. Please see Why pay? for more information.

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  • Why do volunteers have to pay for their programme?

    EIL and our in-country partner organisations are non-profit making organisations. The programme fee covers the cost of placing a volunteer in the project, to provide accommodation, meals, transfer and transport, pre-departure & in-country support and insurance. The projects volunteers are sent to in developing countries cannot afford to cover these costs themselves. Please see Why pay? for more information. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising support is available and we will send you a fundraising pack.

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  • I would like to participate in the programme but I didn’t realise how much it would be or simply can’t afford it.

    We recognise that some of our participants are students and affording the programme fee is an issue. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising information and advice is available. We also have a number of travel awards and scholarships available every year. Keep an eye on our website for these awards.

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  • How do I apply?

    Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although some countries can accept late applications, you should send your completed application 12 weeks in advance. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.

    What you need to do:

    • Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, Euro 250 deposit, and recent CV.
    • Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
    • A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.

    If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.

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  • When should I apply?

    Apply at least 12 weeks prior to departure. We can accept later applications than this but the sooner we have your application the sooner we can get the ball rolling with the placement and you will also need time to sort out your flights, visas and vaccinations.

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  • Can I come in to discuss options?

    You can discuss options over the phone or if you live locally you are welcome to come in. Before you take the trouble to visit us at our offices, we recommend thinking about where you would like to go, what placement you are interested in, when you want to go, how long you want to go for and why you want to volunteer. Call to make appointment.

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  • What visa do I need?

    The type of visa will depend on where you are going and for how long. Visa information is available on our website and on the info sheets we can post you. However you are responsible for your visa and you should contact the Irish Embassy or Consulate for the destination country in good time prior to departure for the requirements and application procedures.

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  • What vaccinations should I get?

    For legal reasons we cannot give advice on this. Please contact your doctor or the Tropical Medical Bureau.

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  • What are the age limits?

    You have to be over 18 for most programmes. If you are on the younger than 18 please contact us to discuss the options. There is no upper limit.

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  • Do I need any special skills/qualifications?

    No. We are looking for people who are independent minded travelers. Living in a developing country demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. Of course if you have particular skills and experience that you would like to use then we will take this into consideration when finding a suitable placement. Please see Is this for me?

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  • Can I work on a specific project?

    You can indicate the type of project that you would like to work on and if you have a particular example in mind from our website then you can indicate it. This is not guaranteed. Our partner organisations will suggest a placement for you. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.

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  • I already have a good language skills – can I drop/reduce the language course?

    Sometimes this is possible – we would have to know what level you are at and check this with the national office in-country first.

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  • What is the accommodation like?

    It will depend on the country and project, either with a host family, in a volunteer house / camp or with an independent room at the project site. It may be basic compared to the standards you are used to here. We will provide details of the family or accommodation you will be staying in before you leave.

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  • What does the optional insurance cover?

    Basic travel, medical and liability and baggage insurance. Information on what it covers is available in the insurance booklet we will send to you. We can also check with our insurance company if you have specific queries.

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  • Can I apply from northern Ireland/UK/outside Ireland?

    • Northern Ireland: we can take applications.
    • UK: We will pass your details onto EIL UK and ask them to get in touch.
    • Other: Please visit Federation EIL to find the nearest EIL office to you.

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