The Green Lab is seeking a Māori Project Intern

The Green Lab creates urban green spaces that support strong social connections and promote wellbeing in Ōtautahi Christchurch.  Our green spaces enable community building and connect people with nature in the urban environment. 

We are seeking a project intern who is passionate about the social and natural environments we live in, and interested in testing new ideas and weaving mātauranga Māori into a public space project in Ōtautahi. The Green Lab will provide wrap around support for the intern to develop their skills in creative project management/delivery in the public realm. This role could lead to further opportunities working with The Green Lab (subject to funding).

The successful individual(s) will work to develop a project currently called “Wao Pods”- creative public amenity which:

•  enhances the connection between people and nature
• demonstrates mātauranga Māori in its narratives, design, and any programming
• demonstrates innovative, sustainable planting options and creates an island of endemic habitat in the central city.
  Please request the full project outline and role description for more information

This is a paid fixed term contracting role which will see the intern(s) working alongside The Green Lab Director Khye Hitchcock and with mentorship from Cultural Advisor Kahu Tumai (Tainui) to develop the Wao Pods for delivery.  

We are open to applications from a variety of vocational backgrounds; landscape architecture, community development, horticulture, project management, artistic practice, public events, urban planning  etc. 

This role is for approximately 8.5 hours per week over 20 weeks (hours per week by mutual agreement) and can be flexible around other commitments. Would suit a tertiary student in their final year of undergraduate or in postgraduate studies. However, formal education is not a requirement – if you have transferable life skills and a willingness to get stuck in, get in touch. 

We are open to splitting the role between two candidates. 

Key Relationships: 

Khye Hitchcock (they/them, Pākehā)
Kahu Tumai (she/her, Tainui)
The Green Lab Team
Project stakeholders

Desired Skills & Competencies:  

• Enthusiasm for the project kaupapa, and desire to shape it further
• Some experience, training, or study in a related field (project management, community development, design, landscape architecture, horticulture, public art, urban planning etc) or transferable skills and a desire to learn quickly
• Basic understanding of Te Reo Māori me ona Tikanga
• An eye for detail and an interest in writing & planning 
• Knowledge of GSuite & social media an advantage
• Open to whakawhanaungatanga with our hapori 
• Good communicator & networker; storytelling/narrative skills and sales skills an advantage 
• Alignment with The Green Lab Values

Remuneration:  

•  $24.00 per hour, agreed related expenses reimbursed
• Contract position with flexible hours by negotiation 
• Use of understorey co-working facilities available (work from home an option, although some in person time will be required)

Application:

Please go through the full project outline and role description  before applying. 

Send us your CV and a letter (or audio clip/video if you prefer) describing your motivation & what you’d like to bring to this kaupapa.  khye@thegreenlab.org.nz

The Green Lab’s vision is for a liveable Ōtautahi Christchurch for all, now and in the future, where civic engagement honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improves community and environmental wellbeing. The Green Lab is an equal opportunities employer; let us know if you have accessibility requirements that we can support within the application process: Khye@thegreenlab.org.nz 

Applications close 5 July 2022