Opportunities application process
What kind of person are we looking for?
Forum and Hui participants have come from a variety of backgrounds – including journalism, academia, business, politics, policy, science, and the arts. There is no set profile but an interest in New Zealand-Asia relations is a must and an assessment of your Individual Leadership Pathway and being an active leader is important. Most opportunities include an application process in order to determine the most suitable candidates.
How do I apply?
The application process differs from opportunity to opportunity. As a bare minimum, an expression of interest is required where we will ask you for an indication of why you are a good candidate for the opportunity in question.
For larger opportunities, such as an Offshore Hui or event, a one-page cover letter along with CV may be required. These will differ from opportunity to opportunity so make sure to read the application instructions carefully.
How are participants selected?
This again differs from opportunity to opportunity, but generally a panel will review all applications, taking into account the differing selection criterion, and make a decision based on application merit. This is put to the Deputy Executive Director for final approval.
How do I justify the time out of work?
We understand it can be difficult to balance your work commitments with an opportunity. Explain to your employer what you’ll get out the event and how your effectiveness at work should improve or how it will contribute to your future professional development. If you are selected, we can provide a letter of support to present to your employer to show them the value of a Leadership Network event.
When can I expect to hear if I’ve been successful?
You will generally hear whether or not you have been successful with an application via email within three weeks of applications closing.
What if I have to cancel at the eleventh hour?
If you have to withdraw or cancel, an administration fee may be issued to recover any costs incurred. Please contact us through leadershipnetwork@asianz.org.nz as soon as possible if you are no longer able to attend.
Events
What are New Zealand based Hui?
New Zealand based Hui are sector-specific, short, targeted events focused on a particular industry, country/region, or issue. Hui have been held in New Zealand on the following topics – social entrepreneurship, South Asia, refugee issues and agribusiness. All leaders can register to attend, although numbers are limited and are either offered on a first in first served basis, or through a competitive application process.
What about an offshore Hui?
An offshore Hui is a week-long trip to a destination in Asia. Leaders engage in various activities designed to strengthen their connections with each other, develop leadership and learn about and develop connections between the host country and New Zealand. These Hui are key events for the Leadership Network and have enabled nearly 200 leaders to experience Asia.
What are cluster meetings?
From time to time the Foundation brings together leaders based on geographic location, either in New Zealand or offshore. Cluster meetings have been held in main centres of New Zealand, Yogyakarta (for Southeast Asia-based leaders) and Xi’an (for North Asia leaders). Gatherings are also held further afield (such as in Australia and the United Kingdom) when team members are travelling.
What else can I get involved in?
One of the Foundation’s strengths is our ability to access special events. We are often offered opportunities by other agencies and organisation nationally and internationally which we are able to pass on to our network members. This includes Track II diplomacy dialogues hosted by the Foundation in New Zealand and offshore. We also offer Leadership Network focussed dialogues with Habibie Center of Indonesia and Timor Leste.
Business opportunities are provided through the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) that the Foundation manages.
The Foundation holds monthly Asia After Five networking events that we encourage network members to get involved in, and from time to time other events and opportunities will be held.
The Leadership Network team is always on the lookout for ideas to develop or opportunities provided by partners.
How will I know an opportunity exists?
All opportunities will be promoted through at least two of three of the following channels:
- Our website
- The Leadership Network LinkedIn Group page
- The Leadership Network monthly newsletter
- A direct email to network members
Regularly check the website and set up a weekly digest so you are able to get alerts when conversations are started on the LinkedIn group page.
Travel
Travel insurance
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Foundation-sponsored international travel and should be taken out at the time of booking. You must provide proof of your travel insurance before departure. You will not be able to join the trip without it.
Onshore, the Foundation is not responsible for payment or reimbursement of any medical expenses incurred by you during an event or after your return home, irrespective of whether or not such expenses are related to conditions which arose during your participation. But note that all due care is taken by the Foundation in planning activities.
What does my policy need to cover?
At a minimum, your travel insurance should be ‘comprehensive’, providing cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability.
Will the Foundation arrange and cover my insurance?
In short: no. It is your own responsibility to ensure that appropriate insurance coverage has been arranged and paid for any travel or event and for medical cover. For Foundation sponsored international travel, insurance is compulsory.
Visa information
Will you help with visas?
The Foundation does not assist in the actual application of visa – this is your own responsibility. You are also responsible for any costs associated with applying for the visa. We can however help out with arranging letters of invitation for certain trips (for example Track II Dialogues). The Foundation needs to sight a copy of your visa (if required) before departure. You will not be able to join the trip without it.
How do I find out about the visa requirements for the trip?
It is your responsibility to secure the appropriate type of visa(s) for your travel(s). Asia New Zealand Foundation cannot provide visa advice. If you need a letter of invitation for your visa this should be provided by your host organisation in Asia.
How do I organise my visa?
Contact the relevant local embassy, or visit a travel agent, to organise your visa/s. Embassy websites will always have information about requirements, visa costs and will provide the required forms. If you are uncomfortable with the visa process, you can visit a travel agent who can arrange these for you at a cost.
Travel costs
What travel costs will the Foundation cover?
For domestic travel, the Foundation will cover the cost of a return economy, seat-only fare. Depending on the destination, amounts may adjust, but as a general rule the Foundation will fund up to the following amounts:
- From Wellington and Auckland – up to $250
- From regional North Island – up to $350
- From South Island – up to $400
If for some reason participants book a higher level flight, the Foundation will reimburse the relative cost of the seat-only fare.
For international travel, the Foundation will determine subsidies as and when opportunities crop up.
The Foundation will reimburse the cost of a return airport bus fare at the destination.
What travel costs am I responsible for?
Leaders are expected to contribute to opportunities by covering transfers to and from your nearest airport for the trip, travel insurance and visas, incidental costs and personal spending money.
Bookings
Who will book my flights?
The Asia New Zealand Foundation is not a travel agency. It is your responsibility to arrange your own flights and travel arrangements. Once you have booked, send the Foundation your confirmed travel arrangements and bank details so you can be reimbursed based on the amount set for each opportunity.
Costs
What costs will the Foundation cover?
The Foundation will cover travel costs as outlined above.
All accommodation and meals during the programme will be covered by the Foundation, as well as scheduled activities and on-the-ground travel costs.
What costs am I responsible for?
As noted above, leaders are responsible for airport transfers, travel insurance and visas, incidental costs (e.g., laundry, internet, snacks and refreshments) and personal spending.
Logistics
What will I eat?
The Foundation covers main meals during events and travel. If you have any dietary considerations to be taken into account, you should advise the organiser of the event.
Where will I sleep?
Accommodation is generally provided on a twin-share basis.
Can I arrive late or early?
You are required to arrive and depart at the times specified and participate fully in all events and activities.
Fitness, health & safety
Do I need to be in shape?
Although you don’t need to necessarily be able to run a marathon, a reasonable level of fitness is expected, particularly for offshore hui and events where there may be a lot of walking or outside activity.
Will you look after my belongings?
The Foundation has no liability for loss or damage to baggage or personal property. You acknowledge and agree that any claim you bring against a carrier for damage to or loss of your property will be limited and subject to the terms of the ticket/s or contract of carriage issued to you by the airline or other purveyor of transport.
Do I need medical insurance?
If you are travelling offshore, travel insurance is compulsory and the Foundation must sight a copy of your policy before departure.