Applications are now open to join the New Zealand Youth Delegation to Paris this November and December.
In 2015, we are looking for experienced campaigners and climate policy enthusiasts to form a crack campaign team to demand a safe, just climate future for New Zealand and the world.
We will be working with partner organisations to:
- make New Zealand step up its climate policy;
- demand a fairer, stronger and more just Paris deal; and
- communicate what New Zealand’s doing and what else is happening in the international climate talks to New Zealanders.
Do you see yourself as a Policy Wonk, Communications Guru or Actions Ninja? Could you be a Co-Convenor, supporting the team to make it all happen?
As a member of the delegation, will be expected to draw on your unique skills to secure media attention, campaign online, engage with New Zealand’s negotiators and other stakeholders at and before COP21, and work closely with partner organisations to support campaigns back home.
Sound like you?
Then download the application form, and be sure to read our application pack in full to find out all you need to know. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Applications close 11pm, 22 May 2015. Send your completed form and supporting documents to [email protected].
Good luck!
Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to apply for the Delegation?
In the past we have called for applicants aged between 18 and 30. This year applicants must be 18 or over, because the UN’s Secretariat who organise the conference does not allow minors to attend. If you are over 30 but strongly identify as youth then we welcome your application.
However, the selection committee will need to ensure that group cohesion and the ‘youth’ element of the delegation is maintained.
If I can’t attend the hui - can I apply?
We’re after the best team possible, and the hui are a key part in building and preparing that team. The UN climate talks are a very intense, and potentially alienating experience. The hui provide very important training and team bonding opportunities.
However, the selection committee will consider your application on a case by case basis. If you cannot attend them for any reason, please let us know in your application. You’ll need to show how else you can engage with the team and get up to speed to campaign at the climate talks.
I’m a New Zealander based overseas - can I apply?
Kiwis based overseas can apply. If you are a New Zealander based overseas, you will need to show the selection committee you will be able to:
- engage with the team remotely on a regular basis, including hui if possible; and
- be an asset to the team both at and in the lead up to COP21.
The selection committee will consider your application on a case by case basis, assessing whether your contribution to the Delegation will outweigh the limitations of you being based overseas.
(Please also read the answer about applying if you can’t attend the hui above!)
Who pays for it?
Our delegates have had some success fundraising, but otherwise pay their own way. We’re a small incorporated society made up only of past delegates, with extremely limited funding, so we aren’t able to fund our team to attend. Sorry - we wish we could!
You can donate here to help them get there though.
Who are the selection panel?
The selection panel includes some past delegates and external selectors with experience campaigning on climate change.
Got a question?
We’d be happy to answer it - just head over to the Contact Us page and drop us an email!