I.C.E. Internships

Information and Media

About Wellington

In our survey of New Zealand cities to house our urban-based internships, Wellington stood out above the rest. As the country's capital city, Wellington is a sea-side gem with a vibrant population energized by numerous universities and travelers. The city has a population approaching 180,824, while the region boasts 450,765. The earliest name for Wellington from Maori legend is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, which means the head of Maui's fish. Caught and pulled to the surface by Polynesian navigator Maui, the fish became New Zealand's North Island.

Bound by its magnificent harbour, with wooden Victorian buildings terraced up steep hills, New Zealand's capital boasts spectacular views, challenging walks, a thriving cafe and entertainment scene, and serious dedication to the arts make Wellington an enormously enjoyable place in which to spend a few days.

Wellington boasts an impressive array of museums ranging from maritime exhibits to natural history to indiginous and modern art. And while the countryside may not be known for its cuisine, Wellington celebrates some of the best of Asian and middle-eastern cuisine in the Pacific.

It will not be difficult to make friends in Wellington as university students and travelers pour into the streets, pubs and discotecs after nightfall on a nightly basis.

Museum & Historical Preservation

Fascinated by the human past? I.C.E. and Wellington's premier city museum have teamed up to offer an unequaled opportunity to both learn about and share the fascinating story of New Zealand's capital city. The Museum itself is housed in one of the finest and most architecturally significant heritage buildings in the country. It exhibits both social history, as it relates to the city, as well as the maritime history of the region. Learn about shipwrecks of the past and present; read the diaries of abandoned fur traders who survived, on birds' eggs and seal meat, and experience the moving and poignant film commemorating a ferry disaster in modern times. Maori mythology will captivate you during a visual show depicting two legends: sea monsters or mythical creatures who inhabited the harbor long ago, and the demi-god, Maui, with his mischievous behavior.

At the Museum you will have an opportunity to gain real hands-on experience working with trained professionals who will share this unique resource. Upon arrival, take the time to learn about the exhibits displayed on the Museum's three floors. Once familiar with these, you will have the opportunity to put this new-found knowledge to the test by assisting Visitor Services and sharing Wellington's exciting history as you go.

Every few months, the Museum features a new exhibition. Preparing these temporary exhibitions demands hard work and lots of behind the scenes preparation. Your internship may allow you to be involved in this ever-changing and challenging area of the Museum. For those of you with a particular interest in research, you may wish to spend much of your time in the Museum's Research Service. The collection is mainly maritime- and shipping-focused, and the research requests range from information on ships, shipping companies, and seafarers to lighthouses, maritime art, and archaeology. Another component of your work may include community research--the collection and collation of oral histories. This is a great opportunity to engage the community and to meet Wellingtonians firsthand. Additional divisions include the extensive, off-site Collections Division, and the Education Service, with its bustling pace and programs in which thousands of school children passing through annually. The Museum is willing to work with you to make this an internship experience that truly fits your special interest.

Wellington Newspaper

A short walk from the parliament (affectionately known as the "bee hive") lies New Zealand's most cutting edge political and daily newspaper. Keeping a close watch on national politics and current events, the paper reaches the far corners of both islands.

The exciting and bustling newsroom allows a firsthand glimpse of the rough and tumble world of Pacific politics and the relationship of this island nation with the larger world. Here is your chance to immerse yourself in the excitement and political maneuvering of a paper that shapes the way New Zealanders relate to both politicians and the issues of the day.

Job responsibilities include:

  • Familiarisation with New Zealand political affairs and current events
  • Arrange temporary associate accreditation to the New Zealand Parliamentary Press Gallery
  • Opportunity to observe and report on the New Zealand Parliament
  • Opportunity to research for and write an investigative journalism project (regarding an aspect of NZ political affairs or wider Pacific affairs [environmental, social, economical, political])
  • Opportunity to promote resulting articles via live radio interviews with our partner radio stations in New Zealand
  • Familiarisation with, and hands on experience of, the functions and daily production of Scoop's busy newsroom and news gathering environment
  • Further develop skills in internet news publishing - formating, production and publishing of text (raw news items and articles), images, audio, and video.

You will get the opportunity to experience journalism in a 'hands on' environment. This is not an internship where you will be delegated the task of making coffee and running errands! You will have the opportunity to be involved in news sourcing, interviewing, news writing, photography, layout, and design. This newspaper group provides a training ground for less experienced journalists and reporters.

Digital Workshop

TDW, 'The Digital Workshop', is one of Wellington's leading digital print, dtp, prepress, design and internet companies. It is the complete one-stop-shop for all computer imaging services - from concept/design to page layout and production through to scanning and film imaging. The Internet portfolio features a range of projects ranging from simple HTML sites to database driven interactive Macro media Flash sites.

The company prides itself on personal service to its wide-ranging clients - from clubs and organizations to large corporate businesses - by providing the most cost-effective solutions at superior turn-around times. Its latest software and hardware combine with the management's recognition that its specialist staff are the company's most important asset.

An intern possessing superior design, desktop publishing, mac or pc, or internet skills can put their expertise to work in this company. Clients deal directly with staff in order to provide cutting-edge service. This represents the opportunity for an intern to experience a commercial IT environment with valuable technical experience, coupled with client contact.