yMedia News

An important announcement from yMedia

Sun, 15 May 2011 03:11:28 -0400

It’s been a long time since our last update, thank you to so many of you who have been in touch over the past months - curious about what yMedia is planning this year.

The yMedia Challenge 2011?

As a team, we have made the difficult decision (there were tears!) not to run the yMedia Challenge in 2011.

Together, we grew the yMedia Challenge to new levels of success in 2010, contributing over half a million dollars worth of value back to the community (check out our Annual Report for the results). In the face of such success, we’ve decided to take this year to look closely at how we provide the most value back to you, our community.

It’s been four years since Pamela and Adele ran the very first yMedia Challenge, and though the event has evolved and grown since then, we are not sure that the event in its current form is making the best use of our resources to deliver back to our community.

While we may run the yMedia Challenge again in future, the hiatus of the event gives us the refreshing freedom to explore some exciting new avenues of bridging the gap - connecting students, community groups and our industry.

Alumni continuing to impress

Since the wildly successful 2010 yMedia Challenge drew to a close last August, we have been proud to see alumni of the Challenge using the skills and experience they gained to get their foot in the industry door.

The Designasaurs, Challenge winners and favourite team to many last year, on account of their brilliant blog and thoughtful work for Natural Health Practitioners, have been working with Running with Scissors to deliver digital projects of a standard far beyond their experience. Well done girls!

To all yMedia Challenge alumni - we’d love to hear what you’re up to! Drop us a tweet,facebook message or plain old email any time.

Blossoming Careers

Not only have we had yMedia Challenge participants placed in great new positions, but several of our crew have landed exciting new roles.

Jade has graduated her Masters in Arts Management, and is working with The Church this year to run We Can Create. Anthea has taken up the role of Digital Development Manager for The Radio Network, Tim has joined Yellow as Agency Sales Co-ordinator, Emily is researching her family history for an Ashmolean Museum exhibition about her Uncle, the impressionist painter Pizzaro, and the list continues!

Opportunities

We’re always on the look-out for new opportunities to pass on and to promote, if you’re a student or freelancer be sure to check out the opportunities section of our blog. Community groups or businesses can list a volunteer or paid job opportunity on our blog for free by filling out this form.

Our first yMedia Birth!

On the 23rd of March this year, Pamela and her partner Ivan welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Mika Cruz into the world. Pamela has been in New Zealand to be with her friends and family as she adjusts to being a mama, and we’ve been delighted to have her company again these past months. If you’d like to keep up with their little family, follow their blog, Mi Vida Contigo.

Job Opportunity: British Council NZ seeking Social Media assistance

Sun, 15 May 2011 01:50:26 -0400

^{This opportunity is one of many which will come through the yMedia blog now that the Challenge is over. You can always check out what’s available by visiting: http://news.ymedia.co.nz/tagged/opportunities}

British Council NZ

http://www.britishcouncil.org/nz/

British Council connect people with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK to build lasting relationships around the world.

We are seeking Social Media online communications co-ordinator to help with promotion of our events like People in Your Neighbourhood (PIYN) in June, visits in July and an urban design project Aug-Sept 2011.

Further information:

Gareth Farry
gareth.farry@britishcouncil.org.nz

Opportunity: Volunteering Otago seeking a volunteer publicity team

Sun, 08 May 2011 01:16:00 -0400

Volunteering Otago

http://www.volunteeringotago.org.nz/

Volunteering Otago is a non-profit organisation that works to support other non-profit organisations in the community through a volunteer matching programme, training, support networks, and advocacy. Volunteering Otago also has a youth volunteering programme, a mental health recovery volunteering programme and in 2011 is piloting four volunteer hubs in Alexandra, Cromwell, Wanaka and Queenstown.

We are seeking a volunteer publicity team to help promote a Volunteer appreciation dinner that is to be held on June 18th 2011. Ideally this team will be made up of two to four people, but could be easily managed by one person if desired. Team will be responsible for the following:

Designing Volunteer Appreciation Certificates, Invitations to the event, Event Programme.
Writing Press Releases before and after the event and submitting to local papers.
Contacting local media (newspapers, tv, raido) and inviting them to cover the event.
Coordinating with Volunteering Otago’s website administrator to make sure VO website and facebook pages are up to date with event info as well as newsletter.

NB: These are voluntary positions.

Further information:

Anna Clere - Manager
Volunteering Otago
volunteerotago@gmail.com
(03) 471-6206
Level 1, Dunedin Community House
283 Moray Place
Dunedin 9016

Opportunity: 2050 Alliance - help us create a striking, interactive and versatile website!

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:45:00 -0400

2050 Alliance

http://www.2050alliance.org/

As young people, the rest of our lives are being constructed every day by the current governance. The 2050 Alliance wants to bring unity to the youth voices on climate change, peak oil, environmental sustainability and intergenerational equity. Under one banner, we will share our resources, and create pathways for our government, to show that a thriving carbon zero New Zealand is possible by 2050 at the latest.

With an initial focus on this year’s national election, we are running a campaign to inform and empower young people around these issues, engage more youth voice into the political process, and make sure youth interests are being taken into account in political decisions being made now.

We are looking for someone, who ideally shares our vision, to help us create a striking, interactive and versatile website. The website needs to be easy for us to update and modify, and able to integrate video, social media etc. We would also like to set up email addresses associated to the website’s domain name and website traffic analytics. We want to get at least a placeholder website up and running ASAP.

The role would initially be unpaid, as the whole organisation is running on a volunteer basis at present, but funding may become available down the track.

Further information:

Chelsea
2050Alliance@gmail.com
027 436 4219

Opportunity: Open Home Foundation International

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:42:00 -0400

Open Home Foundation International

www.ohfint.co.nz

Open Home Foundation International is a New Zealand-registered charitable trust and non-denominational Christian organisation dedicated to making sure children everywhere can belong to a family where they are safe and loved, receive good health care and a good education, and know that God loves them.

We firmly believe that by partnering with local people and their communities we can encourage and empower them in the provision of family and community care for children; especially impoverished, neglected and abused children.

We currently operate in India, Romania and Africa (Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda). Local people and organisations direct the work in each country, supported by OHFI through the provision of prayer, visits, training, education and some financial support.

Essentially we need a media/design person who can guide this voluntary organisation through the world of fund raising through social media as a start. We have a FaceBook page but it is just a beginning. We would also check to see if an entry into ‘Give a little’ is a good step and any comments on the OHFI website including recommended changes if required?

This would be a voluntary project and needs someone who is ‘social media’ savvy. Therefore could suit either current student or graduate.

Further information:

Paul Alsford
paul@alsford.co.nz
Mob: 0210 249 3712

This event is one of many which will come through the yMedia...

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 07:16:00 -0400

^{This event is one of many which will come through the yMedia blog now that the Challenge is over. You can always check out what’s available by visiting: http://news.ymedia.co.nz/tagged/events}

It’s all on tomorrow! There are still places available for the inspirational NZ Community Economic Development Conference that is being held in Waitakere, Auckland on 19/20 April. The final conference programme is now online with 50 presenters over seven plenary and 35 workshops.

If you are interested in resilient, empowered and financially sustainable communities through social enterprise and community owned assets – this two day conference is a feast that is not to be missed!

In addition to presentations, the conference will effectively create a two day learning community –through the many discussions and debates at workshops, open space, chats between sessions and of course, in the bar! Register now - Download registration form here.

Some conference highlights:

How can CED help Rebuild Communities Post Disaster?
In Lyttelton, a well developed community infrastructure that has partly been developed through time banking has helped the community to help itself post quake. A presenter from Lyttelton will be presenting a workshop called “Lyttelton in the midst of chaos - and the role of time banking in nurturing and rebuilding our community”. And Lindsay Jeffs from Christchurch Small Business Enterprise Centre will be making a presentation about how CED approach could rebuild a sustainable, resilient Christchurch.
Maori programme
Maori Trusts are old hands at social enterprise and community owned assets. This is reflected in the conference programme that includes a number of presentations from Maori practitioners includingNgarimu Blair from Ngati Whatua, Wiremu Doherty from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi,Rachell Mio from Awhi Credit Union, Ella Henry from AUT plus Aboriginal Leader, Dennis Foleywho will be presenting (with Ella) about “Indigenous Emancipation: Out of the Dominant Economy”.
Politics in a lunchbox!
Renowned blogger and media personality, Bomber Bradbury, will chair a session with Metiria Turia from the Green Party, David Parker from Labour, Tau Henare from National and a representative from the Maori Party who will speak to their respective party policies relative to community economic development. Overseas experience indicates that the role of government is principally an enabling one through empowering legislation and development of innovative ways of supporting the resourcing of CED initiatives, including resource for a community driven infrastructure to support and capacity build this emergent sector… And much more here

Further information:

Di Jennings | Convenor
NZ Community Economic Development Network
di@ced.org.nz

Kendra Oxley l Event Organiser
Community Economic Development Conference
Phone: 021 1641213
www.ced.org.nz

Help grow Urban Pantry with your design skills!

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:30:45 -0400

This opportunity is one of many which will come through the yMedia blog now that the Challenge is over. You can always check out what’s available by visiting: http://news.ymedia.co.nz/tagged/opportunities

Urban Pantry is a community organisation working to build strong, sustainable urban communities through the medium of growing food in shared gardens. We work with groups of people to design and create edible gardens, making use of underutilised urban spaces like accessible rooftops, courtyards and vacant lots.

We are creating a set of resources that we can provide to the people we create gardens for. These will cover the basics of growing food, and help people maintain flourishing gardens. We are looking for someone to help us make these resources attractive and user-friendly.

We think this opportunity suits a graphic design student looking for a few hours work experience over the next month or so. This role is unpaid, but we’d like to show our appreciation for your help with delicious fresh produce from our gardens.

Further information:

emily@urbanpantry.co.nz
027 6301785

NZCS, ICT, Summer of Tech programme, permanent position and passion!

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:30:37 -0400

NZCS is New Zealand’s body for ICT Professionals and those interested in computers and technology, has been working to advance education and professionalism in ICT for the last 50 years.

NZCS is hiring a permanent Projects and Engagement Manager to help run various NZCS initiatives, including the Summer of Tech Programme in Wellington (and to help plan and implement a progressive nationwide rollout), operate and extend the Students of NZCS initiative, run the NZCS Mentoring Programme plus involvement and operational assistance with a number of other NZCS projects and initiatives such as ITCP.

The role will primarily be involved with:

Operation of the Summer of Tech student internship programme in Wellington, plus assistance in the planning and implementation of the national rollout
Operation of other NZCS projects such as Students of NZCS, the NZCS Mentoring Programme, components of the ITCP Certification Programme and others
Giving presentations and engaging with diverse stakeholders about various NZCS activities
Other tasks focused on developing the profession and building NZCS projects
Prior knowledge of NZCS, ICT and Summer of Tech/Code is not required (although would be advantageous), however analytical thinking and attention to detail is essential. The successful applicant

Further information:

Full details available here - Download PDF
Paul Matthews (NZCS CEO) - ceo@nzcs.org.nz

NZ Coaching Mentoring Centre: Opportunity for community leaders

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:30:00 -0400

NZ Coaching Mentoring Centre are leading providers of professional mentoring, coaching, and consultancy services. We work with individuals, teams and organisations throughout New Zealand and Australia - Helping groups build coaching cultures.

Our clients are those who want to be more strategic in how they use mentoring and coaching to enhance leadership and learning.

What we do:

Leadership Team Coaching
Helping busy professionals gain more clarity and enjoyment, whilst supporting them to lead important change!
Hosting an event for visiting expert for building coaching cultures - Register for event here

Further information:

loretta@coachingmentoring.co.nz

Threaded: Feeling creative over the weekend? You could win $1000!

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:31:32 -0400

Threaded is all about people as designers. Who they are, what drives them to do their work, and how these insights can provide both inspiration and a reality check to new designers and artists.

One of the competitions promoted in Threaded Magazine Ed.X is closing on Monday 18 April 2011. If this is the first you have heard about it ~ lucky you, you still have the weekend to come up with a creative entry that could win you $1000 for your efforts! If your entry is ‘incredible’ it could potentially also win you an ongoing freelance/contract with this client too! So what are you waiting for? Enter NOW! More info on what to submit here »

*DEADLINE: CREATIVE CONCEPTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5PM MONDAY 18/04/2011.

Further Information:
Please direct all queries, submissions and entries to steve@interfacenz.com
All Threaded Magazine queries should be directed to kyra@threaded.co.nz

Coming to a city near you! These incredibly inspiring, global...

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:14:00 -0400

Coming to a city near you! These incredibly inspiring, global Kiwi’s are just not to be missed!

Winging their way home for a series of exciting, dynamic and hugely inspirational presentations, these are some of our most successful and entrepreneurial NZers who all have a fairytale or two to tell - Auckland and Wellington are the lucky recipients so be sure to get in quick smart!

In order to tease you just a little –

Talk about shooting for the stars! Being a finalist in the NASA Astronaut Selection while aiming to become New Zealand’s first astronaut (and in between running marathons),Dr Karen Willcox found herself heading up an incredible, NASA-funded research team at MIT designing environmentally sensitive aircraft. As if that wasn’t enough, learning 3 new languages got the nod as well!

Marketing Chief at Virgin Airlines yet not content on showing up to the Cannes Film Festival with her rather savvy, entrepreneurial boss Sir Richard Branson, Sarah Robb-O’Hagan decided to start dealing with the world’s fastest man. Not only that, but she’s been working with him (Usain Bolt) to re-invigorate one of the world’s best known sports drinks, Gatorade – and it’s bolted.

From Fielding, New Zealand to fielding calls from global heavyweights (hundreds of them), Michael Boustridge commands the multi-billion dollar BT Global business and has friends in very high (and far-off) places. Sitting on the board of the educational not-for-profit XPRIZE Foundation, large incentives are offered to those trying to solve the delicate problems of our time.

What better way to spend your time?

Exclusive offer: In recognition of the contribution that our young designers and innovators make to our economy, Kea New Zealand is pleased to offer the yMedia network members a heavily discounted price of $50+GST per ticket (usually $225+gst per person, this represents a 78% saving). Ticket sales will be limited at this price so you will need to be quick to secure one.

More information about the speakers is available on the following links:

Presentations Day, Wellington - 5th April, 2011
Presentations Day, Auckland - 7th April, 2011

Or to book simply go to www.eventfinder.co.nz and search for “World Class New Zealand” Simply enter the Promo code YMEDIA when entering your payment information to get this special price.

Get your ticket and get excited! See you there!

Further information:
Hannah Wills, Kea New Zealand
http://www.keanewzeland.com

This event is one of many which will come through the yMedia blog. You can always check out what’s available by visiting: http://news.ymedia.co.nz/tagged/events

Auckland Startup Weekend

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:46:07 -0400

This event is one of many which will come through the yMedia blog now that the Challenge is over. You can always check out what’s available by visiting: http://news.ymedia.co.nz/tagged/events

“The 54 hour startup event provides the networking, resource and incentives for individuals and teams to go from idea to launch, with a programme centered on action, innovation, education and mentoring,” says Jason Armishaw, one of the organisers with Microsoft, the Biz Dojo and Valentine Addis – Venture Catalyst.

“It starts on the Friday night (April 1st, 2011) with pitches through to testing, business model development and basic prototype creation, culminating on Sunday night demos to a panel of potential investors and serial entrepreneurs, including guys who have gone from whoa to go with successful web companies.”

We’re looking for people (developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketers, designers) to come along and sink their teeth into it. Tickets are $90, or $49 for students which includes 7 meals and drinks all weekend.

Further information:
Jason Armishaw, Startup Weekend
http://auckland.startupweekend.org/

Neighbours Day Aotearoa

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:44:35 -0400

This event is one of many which will come through the yMedia blog now that the Challenge is over. You can always check out what’s available by visiting: http://news.ymedia.co.nz/tagged/events

Neighbours Day Aotearoa is all about building fun, safe, respectful, friendly Kiwi neighbourhoods.

We believe strong neighbourhoods are the building blocks for a strong New Zealand.

We are promoting Neighbours Day Aotearoa in the last weekend of March 26th-27th (this weekend!) as a time for Kiwis to focus on appreciating and getting to know our neighbours.

We want to encourage all New Zealanders to make time in the last weekend of March to connect with their neighbours - a smile or wave, a chat over the fence, a cuppa with one or two neighbours or something with the whole street.

Please sign up to the website to show your support – The website has heaps of ideas and tools to help anyone make contact with their neighbours this weekend (or any weekend!).

Further information:
Leigh Strange, Neighbours Day Aotearoa
www.neighboursday.org.nz

First yMedia Crew meeting of 2011!

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:37:00 -0400

Better late than never… Last night we had our first official meeting with the extended yMedia Crew – It was great to get everyone back together again, catching up with old friends, and welcoming new ones.

Many of us have had big changes/developments both professionally and personally over the past few months hence the quietness on the yMedia front. But the prize goes to (as if it was a Challenge itself) yMedia’s co-founder Pamela Minett and her partner Ivan Cruz – On behalf of the crew, would like to say a big CONGRATULATIONS on your beautiful baby girl, we can’t wait to meet Mika Cruz!

We’ll have a more comprehensive update out for you shortly with some key-dates to look forward to, but in the meantime there are a number of fantastic upcoming events and opportunities that we would like to share with our wider community before it’s too late.

NB: If you would like to connect with our community with any opportunities, jobs, events you have to offer – Simply fill out this form: http://bit.ly/yMediaOpportunities

Do you have some web design talent to spare?

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:44:59 -0500

Monterosso Retirement Resort is looking for a student (or two!) to help them with their website design.

Work would include design and HTML, this is a paid opportunity. If you’re keen to find out more, contact us and let us know you’re interested in the Monterosso opportunity.

There's $1,000 up for grabs to redesign the People In Your Neighbourhood brand.

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 20:36:53 -0500

What we’re looking for is a logo and website banner initially, and then a programme design and possibly some CD or poster design further down the track. But this year we are wanting a new ‘look’. Our existing website is here: http://piyn.net/

This is a great opportunity to get involved in a project with the British Council, great exposure, great for the portfolio and a nice bit of extra cash for the holidays!

If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to know more, just send us an email via our contact form and let us know!

More about PIYN:

People In Your Neighbourhood (PIYN) is a project that involves performers from Auckland & Wellington’s urban ethnic communities, working with the best of contemporary UK talent, to create new artwork, workshop cutting edge artistic practice and perform a series of urban collaborations. We aim to explore and celebrate the unrecognised artistic and urban talent in all of our neighbourhoods.

Hosted by the British Council, who have an established global network of emerging leaders in the Arts and a reputation for high quality delivery of cutting-edge projects.

For two weeks in May 2011, we will again be hosting UK music and digital media talent in New Zealand. These guests will collaborate, share experience, workshop & create vital new expression with diverse Kiwi talent. A key new part of the process will involve participatory and democratizing of media initiatives.

PUYN has grown to become a recognized part of the annual creative calendar, after two years of shows and a fantastic archive of footage and music. In 2011 we are focusing on smaller engagements with a wider reach of participants for the upcoming program.

PKN_AKL_23, 18 November Pecha Kucha night is an event format...

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 03:22:00 -0500

PKN_AKL_23, 18 November

Pecha Kucha night is an event format for creative work in which presenters show a slideshow of 20 images, each of which is shown for 20 seconds — giving a total presentation time of 6 minutes 40 seconds. Each event usually has 8 - 14 presenters. Presenters (and much of the audience) are usually from the design, architecture, photography, art and creative fields.

The event was originally devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Kein-Dytham Architecture (KDa) in Tokyo, Japan in 2003 and has been replicated in more than 300 cities, including London, San Francisco, Seattle, Rotterdam, Shanghai and Berlin.

yMedia was invited to speak last Thursday, 18th November at Pecha Kucha Night in Auckland: PKN_AKL_23 as part of the MoAD & Unitec NZ Art week. It was a perfect way to re-integrate Pamela (co-founder of yMedia) diving head first back into yMedia life presenting alongside Jade.

Topics from the evening ranged from, film, photography, plastic surgery, sustainable product design and social entrepreneurship. As you can imagine, 6 minutes and 40 seconds is not a lot of time to share all the stories behind yMedia so we focused on sharing a few of the stories from not-for-profit organisations and the projects that came out of the yMedia Challenge 2010.

Please check out our Pecha Kucha slides from the evening here.

NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards 2010 “If you are...

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 03:10:00 -0500

NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards 2010

“If you are working on sustainability, you’re a leader. There’s no greater challenge for businesses the world over. You’re always challenging yourself and your business to do better. Find out how well you’re doing by entering SBN’s 2010 Awards…and celebrate with others on this fulfilling journey to sustainability” - Rod Oram

Extraordinary Sustainable Businesses make an incredible, positive contribution to New Zealand’s economy, environment, and culture every year.

yMedia was invited by the good people at Sustainable Business Network (SBN) to put an entry in for the new Social Innovation Award; this new award recognises outstanding programmes, innovations or businesses that use entrepreneurship to meet pressing social needs through research, collaboration, creating new ventures, and working with community groups and public agencies.

Up against a whole raft of inspiring serial Social Entrepreneurs, it was a surprise and honour for yMedia to be a finalist in the Social Innovation Award category. Ray Avery was the winner with Medicine Mondial with judges commendation going to Sustainable Coastlines and our friends at Intersect.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of Sustainable Business Awards 2010 and thank you to Rachel, Sarah and the rest of the team at SBN for such a successful evening. The overall NZI Sustainable Business of the Year for 2010 went to Resene Paints, check out the rest of the winners of the SBN awards here.

To mark digital agency Heyday’s 10th anniversary, they wanted to...

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:56:10 -0500

To mark digital agency Heyday’s 10th anniversary, they wanted to say thanks to those who created and curated the New Zealand Internet over the past 21 years, in a project titled ‘Down to the Wire’.

Given our strong digital media slant, yMedia was pretty chuffed to be asked to be part of it all and Jade and Eddy were more than happy to answer a few questions about using social media in business.

Find out what we had to say, and learn all about the story of the internet in New Zealand at www.downtothewire.co.nz.

The Big Sleepout

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:51:49 -0500

The Lifewise Big Sleepout on 14 October, 65 business and community leaders swapped their creature comforts for cold concrete and ‘slept rough’ for one night – all to help LIFEWISE tackle homelessness.

After Team 9 (Dante, Guillym, Mark and Jeshua) in the yMedia Challenge produced the fundraising platform for the Big Sleepout (www.bigsleepout.org.nz), yMedia’s Jade Tang and Eddy Helm were inspired to take up the challenge.

During the long, but fortunately not too cold, evening, Lifewise painted the picture of homelessness in full; with dinner in the soup kitchen, stories from those who had been homeless themselves, a walk up to see the night shelter, and then after a cup of tea, the group settled in for a night on their cardboard bedding laid out on the concrete floor in an inner-city carpark.

The evening was humbling for all those involved, and truly highlighted that homelessness is everyone’s problem, and one which we need to solve together.

There is no government funding or national strategy to tackle this major social issue. LIFEWISE is taking action and working with other agencies to end street homelessness in Auckland by 2020.

It’s not just the people you see sleeping rough in alleyways or public parks. It’s estimated that thousands of Kiwis are struggling to find permanent housing. They’re the hidden homeless people forced to sleep on friends’ couches or floors, in carports or backyards, desperately seeking their own homes.

Homelessness is characterised by myths and misunderstanding. That makes fundraising for homeless support services a constant challenge.

Lifewise general manager John McCarthy said that the response exceeded expectations.

“With more than 60 business and community leaders as well as politicians sleeping on cardboard in a central city carpark, we were able to raise more than $95,000 towards a new venture, the Lifewise Hub”.

At the new LIFEWISE Hub, client support workers will support homeless people and help them move from the street or temporary housing into their own homes within the community.