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Call for Applications for Environmental Delegation to China 2016

Great Wall + Panda

This is a call for you to join the Environmental Delegation to China 2016, which is supported by the New Zealand China Friendship Society [Simon Deng Li Fund] and Beijing Youxie.

About the Tour:

Objectives: The objectives of this tour* are for New Zealand environmental professionals to:

  1. Build relationships with their Chinese counterparts and better understand Chinese culture and worldviews
  2. Learn about China’s natural environment and the pressures it faces
  3. Exchange knowledge about environmental challenges and successes in terms of policy, management, innovation, community action
  4. Identify further opportunities for ongoing relationships, knowledge exchange, consulting, technology, trade, etc.
  5. Share the knowledge and experience gained on return to NZ.

* Youxie considers such tours where there is interplay and exchange of information between ‘tour’ members and Chinese Nationals to be ‘delegations’

Important Details:

Dates:  October 8th to 24th, 2016 (tentative)

Itinerary:  Beijing (5 days), Sichuan Province (5 days), Yunnan Province (4 days).

We have prepared a draft itinerary that is open to discussion and change, as we wish to cater to the interests of the selected delegates.  However, the tour will include:

Cost: Estimated maximum contribution of $1500 per person (we are seeking additional funding so this cost may reduce between now and October)

Includes:

  • Airfares (economy class) from NZ to China return 
  • All internal travel
  • Twin-share 3 star hotel accommodation
  • Three meals per day
  • Entry fees for sites and attractions
  • Gifts and tips

Excludes:

  • Single entry visa (required)
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. snacks, alcohol, laundry, internet, spending money)

Tour size:  Six people.  Four spaces are available.

Important notes:

  • This is not a fully guided tour (i.e. you will not be traveling with a guide from NZ).  However, there will be professional guides on occasion, and support/guidance from Beijing Youxie and the NZCFS. 
  • You will need to be comfortable traveling in a foreign country, taking responsibility for yourself, and working as part of a group to make the trip successful and enjoyable.
  • This is not a luxury tour – you should expect good-quality 3 star hotels, good food, comfortable taxis/buses/shuttles, economy flights.
  • You will need to share a room with one other and we will do our best to accommodate preferences.

Eligibility criteria :

  • Be a NZ Citizen
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree
  • Have at least two year’s experience working in an environment-related field (e.g. Mātauranga Māori, urban planning, environmental science, conservation, climate change, sustainable transport, sustainable agriculture, ecotourism).
  • Have a relaxed and positive ‘go with the flow’ attitude.
  • Be willing to make the following commitments:
    • Prior to the trip:
      • Learn your mihi and a group waiata (action song) 
      • Learn basic Chinese greetings and etiquette 
      • Work with other delegates on trip planning and preparation 
      • Take part in a carbon-offsetting activity.
    • Partake in NZ China Friendship Society promotional activities e.g. photos, articles for website
    • Undertake post-tour activities to disseminate knowledge gained e.g. tour video, presentations, articles etc. 

Application:

To apply to be a delegate, please submit the following to [email protected] by 5:00 pm Sunday 21st February 2016.

  1. A CV that includes your contact details, qualifications and professional history. Your CV can also include any involvement in your community / professional societies, relevant achievements, scholarships, publications, leadership roles etc.
  2. A one-page letter that outlines the following: 
    1. What you can contribute to the delegation (knowledge, skills and experience); 
    2. Why you would like to be part of the delegation, and 
    3. How you propose to share the knowledge and experience gained through this opportunity.
  3. Contact details for two referees who can speak to your character, qualities and experience (referees should not be family members or friends).

Selection process:

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by the end of February 2016.  Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an informal phone interview.

Please note that we are seeking a diverse delegation in terms of people and areas of expertise.

Questions?

If you’d like to discuss this opportunity or have any questions, please contact Deborah Robertson: ph 022 010 0361 or [email protected]

To download a pdf of this article, click here.