A few words from an intern

By Abby Hamilton

In 2022, I was a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science student at Lincoln University, studying Tourism Management. I was offered an internship through Ngāi Tahu Tourism at Shotover Jet in Queenstown for the summer.

It was a pleasure to work in an environment where cultural values underpin all aspects of the day-to-day tasks. I had an opportunity to shadow management and other roles within Shotover Jet and Dart River Adventures, this was fantastic, they were all so welcoming and inciteful. It was a busy summer season, I enjoyed those dips in the Kimi-ākau after work, sometimes even a jump off the jetty before work was a good wake up start to the day!

We have some big challenges to face, our future generations depend on us, it is evident Ngāi Tahu Tourism is embracing these changes. I am proud to be Ngāi Tahu!   The internship I undertook has built invaluable relationships that will guide my research this year and help to continue my whanau’s Ngāi Tahu whakapapa journey.

I am grateful to Ngāi Tahu for the support as I continue to learn and grow. Ngā mihi nui!