GET INVOLVED

There are many ways to be involved with Creative Northland. From helping us with our events, becoming an intern, gaining work experience or understanding what we do for our community. Please get in touch at kiaora@creativenorthland.com or watch out for advertisements through Volunteer Northland for any events where we need assistance. We look forward to working with you.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteers fulfill an essential role at Creative Northland and without them, many of the events wouldn’t be possible. We appreciate all the help we get and we would love to hear from you if you think volunteering is for you. In return we can offer you a great work environment, lots of friendly faces and new exciting opportunities to learn new skills.

TESTIMONIALS

Kathleen Watzig
Kathleen WatzigVolunteer
"I was lucky enough to be a volunteer at ArtBeat 2021. It was fantastic. The team was friendly and made me feel at home from the beginning. There was plenty of time to see what was happening, visit with people, plus feel like I was helping out. What I liked the most was packing up at the end of the day. In a flash, this vibrant village of creative people, children, music and food returned to a quiet park. I would love to do it next year."
Anne Groufsky
Anne GroufskyVolunteer
“I have been volunteering for Creative Northland since 2014. I started by assisting at the 2014 Whangarei Sculpture Symposium, mainly by talking to the public and helping the artists as required. I enjoy helping at events that are organised by Creative Northland such as the Sculpture Symposium and ArtBeat. I also keep the databases and archives up to date and support Creative Northland in promoting the art and culture of Northland.”

INTERNSHIP

Creative Northland introduced an intern programme to help grow the talent base in Northland. We offer the opportunity to get hands-on experience and develop your skills to help you in your chosen field or just to give you that bit of direction that you may need. You will walk away with a reference and a range of contacts in the arts sector from working directly with the artists in our region.

TESTIMONIALS

Joanne Kim
Joanne KimSummer Intern 2015-2016
“I am an Honours student at Victoria University, starting my postgraduate degree in Media Studies.  I have also obtained a major in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies.  Growing up as an Asian immigrant in Whangarei, from the very young age of three, helped me develop a personality and interest where I would like to analyse contrasting relationships between different cultures and see how the media industry contributes to how it shapes society.
These interests led me to the opportunity of studying aboard in Lyon, France, in 2015 for six months.  I also wrote my own personal column for the Northern Advocate under the title “Kia Ora from a Korean Kiwi”.  I have taught English to Korean students and have helped bridge cultural gaps within the community.  In my spare time I enjoy writing, blogging, and scrapbooking to use as my creative outlet, along with socialising with friends and listening to music in general.”
Kohu Kawiti
Kohu KawitiSummer Intern 2016-2017
“I have recently completed my final year of secondary school at Epsom Girls Grammar School in Auckland. In 2017, I will be pursuing a conjoint Law and Arts degree at Victoria University of Wellington- majoring in History and minoring in Political Science.
As a result of my involvement in the arts at Epsom Girls Grammar School, I have developed a thorough appeal to both performing and visual arts. I have been involved in a variety of drama performances and productions, and have gained a significant amount of experience in performing arts. I also have a keen interest in social sciences and humanities, particularly history and anthropology.
From my experience as a boarder and student in Auckland throughout my secondary school years, I have learnt how to thrive and work in diverse and unfamiliar environments. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, spending time with friends, watching films, outdoor adventures and olympic weightlifting.”
Keely Quaid
Keely QuaidIntern Feb-Jul 2016
“I was in the midst of completing my Bachelors Degree in Communications majoring in Marketing and Public Relations when I was offered the internship at Creative Northland. I have now completed my degree and work at Creative Northland as the marketing assistant and support/liaison. Being given the intern opportunity at Creative Northland enabled me to put some of what I had learnt throughout my degree into real life practice.
I have always been interested in event planning and marketing and I gained relevant skills in both areas being an intern.  I helped with designing posters, website development, managing the Facebook page, organising the e-newsletter and much more. 
The team at Creative Northland were very kind and supportive and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and develop my confidence in the workplace. The role was very flexible and no day was ever the same as the last.  I would definitely recommend taking up an intern opportunity. You never know what you might learn and what will come out of it.”
Lenny Foley Murupaenga
Lenny Foley MurupaengaToi Māori Aotearoa Māori Arts Intern, Aug–Dec 2017
I was born and raised in Pukepoto and moved to Whangarei to study at Northtec gaining a Diploma in Applied Arts. I then went on to study at Te Wananga O Aotearoa and completed ‘Toi Paematua’ – Diploma in Maori Art (Whakairo) in 2016. During my study, I was  awarded the ‘Toi Maori & Indigenous Art Scholarship’, the only recipient for Tai Tokerau. I have also contributed to over 40 exhibitions and curated nine shows during my career.
I couldn’t believe that I was the successful applicant for the MAI Programme. When I received the news I was literally speechless! I’ve been in this position for one week and it feels absolutely natural. I intend to learn as much as I possibly can to further my understanding in this position.

TOI MĀORI AOTEAROA MĀORI ARTS INTERNSHIP

Creative Northland joined Atamira Dance Company in Auckland and the NZ Festival in Wellington as hosts of the Toi Māori Aotearoa Māori Arts Internship (MAI) Programme where the three organisations select an intern to work within their organisation to explore a career path in the arts. 

With only three paid internships available nationwide, General Manager Hinurewa te Hau says “We were thrilled to be selected as a host, especially to be able to give a Northlander the opportunity to extend their knowledge and build their confidence through work experience and to build administration and management experience – in the arts area of their choice”. 

After a rigorous selection process, Northland artist Leonard Foley Murupaenga was chosen to take up the internship. He will work on several projects during his 20 weeks with Creative Northland including developing Maori Theatre in Northland and working with students in the Mural Workshop at the Northland Youth Summit Arts Festival in September.

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