The Wairoa District Council will continue its successful internship programme with four new interns from The Netherlands who started last month.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Officer, Fergus Power says “We’re thrilled with this new batch of interns. The expertise and insights they bring with them will add good capacity to Council for a number of projects we’re currently working on.”

“What is also great is the length of time we will have this batch of interns. Usually intern placements from New Zealand Universities are roughly about six to eight weeks over the summer. We’re so fortunate that this group of interns will be with us for about five months. They will be able to spend quality time on some good projects we have for them.”

“Interns don’t get paid, therefore cost is minimal, but the return in terms of the work they’re doing for our community is immeasurable. I know that our interns will have a wonderful time with us here in Te Wairoa and I know that our community will make them feel welcome,” says Mr Power.

Classically trained singer Rosalin Weenink is currently in her third year of a law degree. She will be assisting the economic development team. “I am really excited to spend the next five months in Wairoa. The surrounding areas are rich with natural beauty and the people here are very friendly,” says Miss Weenink.

Mathijs van Lelieveld is completing a degree in Geo Media and Design. “My degree looks at mapping and graphic design. I’ll be working with the economic development team. My work at the council includes mapping tourism trails and graphic design. I’m really looking forward to starting my internship and learning a lot of new skills and knowledge from the council and the community. I’m very grateful that I got the chance to do my internship at the Wairoa District Council.

“In my free time I like to play badminton, go fishing, being outside hiking or exploring and just enjoying life. All of my interests can be described with one word: Wairoa. The variety of things you can do here in your free time is really amazing. The nature and the people in Wairoa are amazing. I have felt very welcome from the first moment I arrived in Wairoa. I have been waiting for months to come to New Zealand and especially to Wairoa. Now I am finally here, I am loving it,” says Mr van Lelieveld.

Sander Rozendaal really wanted to travel to the other side of the world to do his internship and what could be more far away from the Netherlands than Wairoa, New Zealand. “I am studying Building Process Management and Real Estate at Avans University in Tilburg, which is in the southern part of the Netherlands. I will be working with Jamie Cox in the engineering department.”

“The possibility to explore this beautiful district and country during my internship is definitely a gift. Besides studying, I am a really driven sportsman and fitness fanatic. I like running, hiking and boxing. If you’re keen for a run, some gym time or a nice hike? Catch me up,” says Mr Rozendaal.

Urban planning student Tim Rietmeijer is on his first internship and like the others, the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world was too good to pass up. “While at the Wairoa District Council, I’ll be focussing on the cycleways and walkways project, working with Jamie Cox in the engineering department as well as some work with GIS manager, Russell McCracken. I’m excited to have the opportunity to apply my Dutch experience of cycling and hiking into this project.”

“I’m an avid rower and cyclist. I can’t wait to get to know the surrounding areas and experience the Wairoa hospitality first hand. I hope to make lots of new friends and memories that will last a lifetime while here in Wairoa,” says Mr Rietmeijer.

-Ends-

For more information:

Fergus Power
CEO
Wairoa District Council
(06) 838 7309

Kitea Tipuna
Communications Strategist
Wairoa District Council
(06) 838 7309

29 June 2016

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