Cora Wilding Residency

 

Applications close 17th August 2025

 

background

With the wind up of Youth Hostel Association (YHA) trust in New Zealand, the Untouched World Foundation was gifted a fund enabling us to establish residencies, scholarships and a memorial award in the name of their founder - Cora Wilding.  Our purpose to empower the next generation to lead in sustainability aligns with Cora Wilding's life long efforts to support both young people and the environment. 

Residency Purpose

This graduate residency builds capacity for UWF and capability and experience for the intern. You’ll work across our existing programmes and help develop new offerings to ensure they remain relevant, evidence-informed, and future-focused. This is your opportunity to deepen your own sustainability practice while contributing meaningfully to the next generation of changemakers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Co-facilitate existing residential UWF programmes in the South Island (support role)

  • Work alongside the Kaiwhakaangi Operations Manager to manage the logistics of programme delivery

  • Research case studies of innovative sustainability practices as resources for existing and future programmes

  • Take a leading role in developing programmes which will reach new communities and locations across Aotearoa

  • Co-lead in the development of mentoring and network systems to support alumni

  • Support marketing and fundraising including the creation of video assets which tell your own experiences of the residency and UWF programmes

  • Engage in bespoke professional development and training

About You

  • Recent graduate (within the last 2 years) of a degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability & Outdoor Education, or similar

  • Passionate about youth development, environmental leadership, and kaupapa Māori-aligned sustainability approaches

  • Curious, self-motivated, and a confident communicator

  • Comfortable with travel and working independently and collaboratively

  • Commitment to UWF’s values and purpose

We Offer

  • A 48 week full-time, paid internship with mentoring and leadership support (spread over 51 weeks to include holiday breaks)

  • Opportunities to travel and connect with changemakers nationwide

  • Tailored professional development and facilitation training

  • An inclusive work environment with a small, passionate team

 

How to Apply

Applications close Sunday 17th August 2025

Shortlisting 18-20 August

Interviews 21-28th August

Offer 31 August

Ideal Start Date between 16 and 22 September 2025 (open to alternative start dates providing prior to end of 2025)

 

To apply please email corawildingresidency@uwf.org.nz with

  • A cover letter outlining why you are interested in the Residency and what skills and interests you will bring to the role.

  • Your CV detailing your education, work experience and relevant interests

  • Two referees (names and contact details) who may be contact if you are shortlisted

  • Your availability to start on or around 16 September - or an alternative date before the end of 2025 (please explain if a later start is required).