Exploring Conservation: A Volunteer's Journey in New Zealand

About Me

Hello! My name is Liam, and I studied Nutrition at Bournemouth University (BU). The choice to study at BU was easy for me, particularly because of its strong focus on placement opportunities, hands-on research, and a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Let's not forget the beach! As for the question of working overseas, the idea always fascinated me. There's something incredibly attractive about immersing oneself in a new culture, breaking the language barriers, and contributing positively to a community. I embarked on this international experience for an amalgamation of reasons—self-development, meeting new people, and possibly giving my future career an edge.

Preparing for My Mobility

I stumbled upon this wonderful opportunity through the Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary website. The mission and vision of the organisation resonated strongly with my own ideals. I researched extensively, reading reviews and comparing the role to other conservation positions to understand the nitty-gritty of what I was getting into. Applying for Turing Scheme funding was initially intimidating, but I found the process to be very easy, and the support I received during the application was invaluable. The funding allowed me to focus on the work at hand rather than worry about finances. Without that funding, I wouldn't have been able to do it. In addition to the logistical aspects, I spent a considerable amount of time researching the area and culture of in New Zealand. I delved into books, articles, and even documentaries to understand the differences between New Zealand culture and British culture. Although they are very similar, it helped me integrate with the locals much better. This comprehensive research not only helped to ease my initial jitters but also equipped me with the cultural and situational awareness essential for my role.

Settling In

Arriving in New Zealand was both exciting and daunting. Being away from home was challenging at first, but the stunning landscapes and welcoming community quickly made me feel at ease. My accommodation was quite different from what I'm used to in the UK; living in a more remote and natural setting was a refreshing change. I participated in various social activities, including movie nights and night-time wild life spotting, which helped me bond with fellow volunteers. The cultural and environmental differences were fascinating, from the indigenous Maori culture to the diverse wildlife.

Working Life

My traineeship at Pupu Rangi provided me with valuable hands-on experience in conservation techniques. Although it wasn't directly related to my nutrition course, it significantly enhanced my understanding of animal nutrition, a field I am keen to pursue. This experience deepened my knowledge of wildlife dietary needs and broadened my perspective on nutrition science. The reality of working in the field was more demanding than I had anticipated, but it was incredibly rewarding. Highlights included monitoring kiwi birds and installing bait stations, while challenges like manual labour in rough terrain helped me build resilience. The working environment was collaborative and supportive, different from the more structured settings in the UK. English was the primary language used, which helped me communicate effectively and focus on conservation tasks.

Global Outlook & Reflections

This experience has profoundly impacted my understanding of different cultural perspectives in conservation. I gained a deeper appreciation for the Maori approaches to environmental stewardship and how they integrate with modern conservation methods. My awareness of my own cultural traits has grown significantly, and being in a new cultural environment helped me reflect on and appreciate my cultural background while adapting to new cultural norms.

My confidence in my future career choice has strengthened. Linking academic knowledge to practical conservation work has confirmed my passion for working with animals. Additionally, my confidence in using different communication styles and behaviours in intercultural situations has greatly improved. I learned to navigate and respect cultural differences effectively.

The traineeship boosted my confidence in applying academic knowledge to practical work, making my studies more relevant and tangible. My confidence in my employability skills has grown as well; skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability were honed throughout this experience.

My curiosity about global conservation efforts and different cultures has intensified. I am more motivated than ever to learn about and contribute to international conservation initiatives. This experience has heightened my motivation to pursue a global career, and the diverse challenges and learning opportunities have inspired me to seek international roles in the future.

My confidence in working with communities and individuals from different cultural backgrounds has increased, as I learned the importance of cultural sensitivity and effective communication in conservation work. If I could give myself advice at the start, it would be to embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity and to immerse myself fully in the local culture.

Achievements and Development 

If I could travel back in time, my advice to my past self would be, 'Savour each moment. Each challenge, each hurdle is shaping you.' For any students contemplating a similar journey, I would say, don’t think, just do it! One of my greatest achievements was successfully leading a team during a night-time kiwi monitoring expedition. I gained new skills in forest navigation, radio communication, and species-specific conservation techniques. This experience has further developed my leadership and teamwork abilities, making me more confident in my future career.

My volunteering experience in New Zealand was transformative, blending personal growth with professional development. Immersing myself in conservation efforts, adapting to a new culture, and overcoming challenges has not only broadened my understanding of global environmental stewardship but also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in this field. This journey has equipped me with invaluable skills and experiences, making me eager to continue contributing to conservation initiatives worldwide. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone looking for a meaningful adventure to consider a similar path; it’s a rewarding endeavour that can shape your perspectives and career in unimaginable ways.