Operational Assistant in the National Geohazards Monitoring Center (NGMC)
Scholarship details
| Study levels | Degree |
|---|---|
| Close date | Monday, 22 September 2025 |
| Ethnicities | Maori |
| Domestic/international | Domestic Only |
About the scholarship
Our summer scholarship program offers scholars an exciting and rewarding experience, supported by a team of 15 passionate and skilled professionals who are eager to share their knowledge. In a collaborative and welcoming environment, scholars can explore new ideas, access a variety of resources, and benefit from different perspectives. With personalised guidance from the team, each scholar is encouraged to grow, learn, and make the most of every opportunity throughout the program. This project is designed to enhance the capability and impact of the NGMC Operational Assistant (OA) role to ensure sustained contribution to both business-as-usual operations and emergency response activities. Through a structured programme of development, assessment, and collaboration, the initiative will deliver improvements in operational resilience and effectiveness as well as organisational partnerships. The first deliverable centres on building the OA's core competencies, equipping the role with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to operate effectively across routine and response functions. This will be achieved through targeted training, mentoring, and applied learning opportunities within the Centre's operational environment. To assess progress and inform ongoing development, the OA will participate in structured exercises and scenario-based simulations. These controlled activities are designed to provide objective insights into current performance, highlight strengths, and identify specific opportunities for targeted growth and changes in the NGMC training programme. The outcomes will inform a tailored development pathway, ensuring training evolves in alignment with organisational needs. A further key deliverable is the successful delivery of an Iwi-M膩ori engagement project, undertaken in collaboration with the M膩ori Partnerships team and GeoNet. This initiative will contribute to strengthening relationships, embedding inclusive practices, and delivering outcomes that support organisational and programme objectives. Together, these outcomes will position the student in the OA role as a more capable and adaptable contributor to operations. By combining targeted skill development, structured performance evaluation, and collaborative engagement, the project will strengthen organisational readiness, enhance partnership outcomes, and ensure the Centre is better equipped to meet both current and future demands.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be M膩ori, or of M膩ori descent. Second year or above Geology, Geophysics, Geography or Earth Sciences degree.