IEP Work New Zealand

One thing that I will definitely remember is getting to witness the All Blacks (New Zealand national Rugby Team – and reigning world champions!) perform the “Haka” live and in person. A Haka is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance or challenge from the Maori people of New Zealand.

The All Blacks performance of the Haka before each of their competitive games is undoubtedly the most famous version worldwide. My friend and I were sat on the VERY front row for the game between New Zealand and Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland.

The All Blacks lined up facing towards us, with the Irish team (their backs to us) stood arm in arm ready to watch the Haka. Aside from being a Rugby player, cameraman, referee or pitch security staff, this would be the closest that anyone else could get to being face-to-face with the All Blacks Haka right before a game.

To see the All Blacks Haka on TV is one thing, but to be in the stadium, being so close, and feeling the intensity and atmosphere is definitely something to experience. I was able to record the Haka and have uploaded it here.

If I could go back then I would definitely head down to the South island to see what’s happening there.

Lots of people have told me (both before and since) that “you haven’t really seen New Zealand until you have been to the South Island.”

I was fortunate enough to get a good job up in Auckland that I was very thankful for and I also managed to see quite a fair bit of the North Island.

But unfortunately both time and money got away from me before I had the chance to venture South. In saying that, I am very happy with the time I spent in Auckland and around the North Island – and have lots of great memories to go along with it.

I guess it is the same problem that even the most seasoned of traveller’s face – no matter how many places you go, how much money you have, how much time is on your side – there will always be more places to see.

I met quite a few friends and interesting characters during my time in New Zealand, however the one person that I will mention here is one that actually worked for IEP – her name was Maryke.

IEP Work New Zealand has around 4 or 5 staff members, all of them very friendly and helpful, but it was Maryke that I actually built a friendship with.

Yes it is part of their job to answer questions and make us travelers feel at ease, however if Maryke had a spare moment then we would often have a chat about all sorts of other things – shared interests, sport, family, etc.

Obviously I have since left New Zealand, and Markye has also unfortunately (for those hoping to meet her) left IEP - she is currently working and traveling in the UK.

However we still maintain a close friendship on Facebook and are hoping to catch up sometime while she is over here in the UK.

Yes there will be hard times, yes there will be some cultural differences and yes you will feel like you want to go home early on in your trip – but DON’T! Keep going, get out there and start enjoying yourself…it is a working HOLIDAY after all.

Work-wise I would suggest being open – chances of landing that managers job or high-paying model contract are on the slim side. Lots of travelers I know work in jobs such as fruit picking, cleaning, au-pair, bar staff, etc.

Not the most glamorous jobs, but they are great for meeting people, creating unique memories and of course good for your wallet! Better than an empty wallet, right!? Be sensible with your budget – don’t blow all your savings in the first weeks on drinking, partying and traveling and then end up either having to call home for financial help…or worse having to cut your trip short.

Chances are that you are overseas for quite a few months, so spread out the big spending and keep an eye on your bank balance – if it’s getting low then head to IEP for some job help…not head to the bar!

One of our Germany Participants Jana arrived with a set plan of how she wanted her year to be in New Zealand. Generally plans don’t always work when you travel and she really struggled at the start. I talked to her a few times and provided her with other options on what sort of jobs she could do and how to find them.

It wasn’t her plan but after a little while she ended up falling into to a really great job with Uniceif where she was able to travel around New Zealand with a great team and meet a range of people. When she returned before leaving NZ I have never seen such a change in a person.

I've got a number of tips.

- If Plan A doesn’t work out, don’t let it get you down there is always Plan B, C and D.
- Keep your options open, there are so many opportunities you will have with travel and jobs.
- Pack light. You really don’t need that much stuff, and if you forget something you can always buy it in New Zealand. Remember what you pack is what you have to carry for a YEAR! A good tip to follow is pack you bag, half it and that what you actually need.
- Bring a torch, it’s a very handy thing to have.
- Ear plugs are great for flights and dorm rooms.
- Having the right attitude, if you go into everything with a great attitude you will have a great time. If you’re not having a great time change your plan find something that will make your year amazing.
- Even if you are doing a not so fun job, remember all the fun things you can do with the money you earn, maybe a bungy jump?