Around New Zealand in 600 Days

I spent a total of 21 months or roughly 600 days in Aotearoa (from February 2013 to November 2014). Within that almost two year period, I visited and explored so many places which the island nation had to offer, and I posted my trips and activities on this blog. Here is a comprehensive summary (with links) of my adventures. (I'll do it geographically, from north to south of both the north and south islands of New Zealand.)

Let's start with the northern tip of the north island. I drove all the way up to picturesque Cape Reinga. My friends and I were blessed with good weather that time as we were able to take beautiful pictures of the Cape Reinga lighthouse. We also passed by Te Paki Sand Dunes and did some sandboarding.

Still up north, I got a chance to stay at the Bay of Islands. Our group got to tour the Treaty of Waitangi grounds and watch a Maori Haka performance.

In North Auckland, I got to kayak on the Puhoi River, and all the way out to the Hauraki Gulf. Afterwards,  went picnicking at Wenderholm Regional Park.

MTB biking in Auckland

I tried out mountain biking at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park deep in the Woodhill Forest northwest of Auckland. The cool crisp weather was great for MTB biking.

Skydiving in Auckland

Also in northwest Auckland, I went to Parakai Airfield and went skydiving over Helensville. I conquered my fear of heights as the guys of Skydive Auckland pushed me out of an airplane 13,500 feet above ground.

I watched a rugby game between New Zealand's All Blacks and England's national team. After the match, I still didn't understand the game, but it didn't matter because the All Blacks won 20-15.

I hiked up the mountain top of Rangitoto Island northeast of Auckland with my fellow postgrads. It was a lovely trek up Auckland Region's most active volcano island.

East of Auckland, I rode a ferry and went wine tasting in Waiheke Island. New Zealand is home to many vineyards and wineries, and is well known for its white wines.

I biked up Mount Victoria in Devonport, just across Auckland CBD. In my opinion, this hill has the best view of the city.

Moving south, I visited the home of Bilbo Baggins at Hobbiton in Matamata, near Rotorua. Enjoyed taking photos on the actual set of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit series. 

I traveled to the center of the north island, at Tongariro National Park, and went skiing on the white slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It was my first and probably the last time to ski as I did not find going down a hill with no brakes fun.

I returned to Tongariro National Park and hiked the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Got to enjoy viewing the beautiful emerald lakes and its surrounding volcanic formations.

And then I rode a plane to the southern tip of the north island and toured the capital city of Wellington. Visited the Beehive and the NZ parliament. Also explored the the plant and wildlife preserve of Zealandia. 

I flew to the middle of the south island and visited the universities in Christchurch. Went on a road trip with my fellow scholars and passed by the rock formations of Castle Hill, where they shot the battle scenes of Chronicles of Narnia. 

Traveled south to Lake Tekapo. Enjoyed the view of the lake with the snow capped Southern Alps in the background. New Zealand is home to many beautiful and picturesque lakes. Also visited Mount Cook National Park, and saw some more snow capped mountains. Another lake worth stopping by on the way is Lake Pukaki. 

Further south, I visited the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. There, I bungy jumped off Kawarau Bridge, the site of the first commercial bungy jump. What an adrenaline rush! I did this after I skyjumped, so I was not that scared.

Southwest, I visited the majestic Milford Sound. Rode a ferry and traversed the fjord to view the high cliffs and waterfalls, as well as watch the seals play.

The southernmost place I visited was the old Scottish settlement of Dunedin. I got to tour the local Cadbury chocolate factory.

And that about covers it! Traveled around New Zealand in 600 days, all while completing my masters degree. I had so much fun in Aotearoa! 

Finished with my postgraduate degrees at the University of Auckland

I recently received my diploma for my master of public policy, capping off my two year academic stint in New Zealand. I can't believe time flew by so fast. It seemed like only yesterday when I applied for postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland and scholarship with the New Zealand Embassy. Today, I have my Post-Graduate Diploma in Arts with Merit on Development Studies and a Master of Public Policy with Second Class Honours First Division.

I'm thankful to my wife Ria and daughter Bea for allowing me to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. I am extremely lucky to have a partner who supported me 100% of the way and sacrificed so much by taking care of our daughter and running our household, all by herself. I hope I can return their love and affection. I am grateful as well to my mom Aileen and dad Roque for their support, and to the rest of my family for their encouragement. 

Thanks are also due to my policy professor, boss, and dissertation supervisor, Dr. Julie MacArthur, for her guidance and support. I really appreciate how she gave me the freedom to work on my dissertation at my own pace, and at the same time be there for me to check on my progress, review my drafts, and give sound advice on how to improve my paper.

Lastly, I am extremely grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and all who make up the New Zealand-ASEAN Scholarships Programme (NZAS) for giving me this great opportunity to obtain a post-graduate diploma and a master's degree at the University of Auckland. Rest assured that I will use all that I learned in New Zealand to help my home country of the Philippines.

My write-up in the University of Auckland website

If you are reading this post while taking your postgraduate studies in New Zealand, and feel depressed, burdened and/or stressed with all the academic obligations, let me reassure you that this too will pass. You can make it! Good luck and God bless!

#parasabayan #parasaPilipinas

Doing an Internship at an MP's Electorate Office

Having a legal and legislative background, I was lucky enough to get an internship with a member of parliament here in New Zealand as part of my masters. I interned at an electorate office (a legislative district office if in the Philippines) in Auckland from July to October 2014. In the three months that I worked there I learned a lot about constituent relations, legislative work, and general political life in New Zealand. I count myself extra lucky because I did my internship on an election year. Over all, my experience was eye opening, enriching, and educational.

The electorate office I worked for had a regular staff of two electorate agents. On my first day, we were the only ones in the office. There were no visitors. And this was my first observation on the difference between Philippine and New Zealand political life. Back home, a legislative district office of a congressman would be full of local politicians and constituents as soon as the office opens. Town councilors and community leaders would ask for political favors such as a government post for a friend or relative, while residents would ask for financial assistance to pay for hospital bills, burial expenses or both. As a former local legislator myself, I could not concentrate on my law making duties because of these office visits and favors. So it was refreshing to see a quiet electorate office absent these distractions. I learned that MPs in New Zealand accede to more reasonable and relevant requests such as making private queries and raising matters in parliament. I found out that MPs rarely provide financial assistance to their constituents. NZ electorate office services, I learned, were limited to letter writing on behalf of constituents for tax problems, welfare benefit issues, and ministry of immigration, health and education concerns. And these are exactly the kind of things the electorate office staff had me work on while I was there. I researched and drafted memos on issues concerning employment, fishing quotas, legal aid debt, and the child support, to name a few.

I also observed that an MP’s electorate office is sparse and simple compared to the ones back home. The two regular staff had their own desks, and there was another room with a meeting table. That was it. The MP didn’t even have a desk of his own. In the Philippines, the congressman would have a separate waiting area for visitors alone, and in addition, his private room. At the electorate office, since they didn’t have a desk for me, I worked by the meeting table. When the MP was present, I would work at the stock room beside the office.

On slow days, like when there were no visitors and the MP was out of town, I’d ask the two regular staff more about parliament work and life in New Zealand. I had an idea of the MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) system. We also have party-list members in the Philippines. But I learned that one major difference is that MMP rules permit a defeated candidate in the electorate vote to still get a seat in parliament under the party-list system. This is not allowed in the Philippines. A district candidate cannot cross over to the party-list.

As I earlier noted, the internship also exposed me to New Zealand’s national elections. And it was such an eye opener. I found campaigning to be very laid back. There were a few campaign materials posted and I saw just a few campaign volunteers. May be it was laid back because my MP had held his seat for almost thirty years. But I noticed the same for other candidates. I think this is good as campaign expenses are kept low.

Like I wrote at the beginning of this essay, I learned a lot from the internship. It was eye opening, enriching and educational. The work experience exposed me to a mature and professional parliamentary office environment that will serve as an inspiration when I go back home.

NB: Due to a confidentiality clause in my internship contract I am unable to share the details of the MP I worked for.

Part-Time Work as a Teaching Assistant

Finally, on the last semester of my two-year masters, I got a job as a teaching assistant in the university. As I've written before, international postgraduate students on valid student visas can work in New Zealand. But whether there's work for you, now that's the question. Those with health, science, engineering and tourism backgrounds will find it fairly easy to find work here (a co-scholar who was a nurse immediately got hired at a hospital, while another Filipino scholar with experience in the hotel industry found a job at a service apartment). As you know, I come from the legal sector in the Philippines, and I found it extremely difficult to look for a job in my industry. For one thing, the law I know is different from the law they practice here. And for another, even if I did know their law, there's just not enough legal jobs for lawyers, at least here in Auckland. Siguro mas may chance pa sa Wellington, where the national government is based, but I digress.

I got this job because I received an e-mail blast a few months ago from the department coordinator announcing openings for graduate teaching assistants. And having been a college instructor back home, I felt this was right up my alley. So I filled up the application form, attached my supporting documents, and submitted them to the department. You get hired either as a tutor or a marker. A tutor teaches part of the course, while a marker checks coursework and other assessments. I signed up and got hired as a marker, which is supposed to be easier of the two. Pero hindi rin kasi mahirap mag-check ng essay. Hahaha.

But I'm not complaining. The extra income is good as it can supplement my stipend, and I  get to save some money for home. It's also a nice diversion to do something other than your studies and/or research--a job breaks the monotony of academic life. 

I only wish I knew about the GTA programme earlier in my studies. I could have been a tutor or a marker last year pa. So my advice, if you're like me who can't find a job related to your line of work in the Philippines, you might want to consider being a GTA. When you get here in New Zealand, look for and approach your department coordinator. Ask if there's an opening for tutor or markers. The chances are you're too late for that semester (as they hire prior to the start of the sem), but you can ask to be put on the mailing list. That way, the moment they open applications for the next semester, you'll be the first to know.

So, good luck! Hope this post helped!

Dressing up for Graduation

If you are attending your graduation at the University of Auckland, you either rent or purchase your regalia at Academic Dress Hire. You rent if you will just wear it during graduation day. But if you're like me, who teaches in university, it's an investment to buy the regalia. 

Academic Dress Hire is located at 17 George Street, Parnell--just across the Auckland Domain Cricket field. You can take the Inner Link or Outer Link buses and get off at the 540 Parnell Road stop.

You can actually order your regalia in advance at the foundation's website at Academic Dress Hire. It's easy to navigate. And there's a variety of options to pay. Credit card, debit, bank transfer on-line, or cash and eftpos on-site. The people who work and volunteer for the foundation are very nice, helpful and friendly. Word of advice, though, don't wait til the last minute to go, because the line gets long. Best to go at the earliest possible time, and avoid lunch time.

Auckland University uses black gowns. The gowns are $38.00 to rent, and $250.00 to buy.  Trenchers are $21.00 to rent, and $65.00 to buy. Thank God, I brought my UP Law gown and trencher. Saved me 60 bucks!

The different colors of bachelors hoods. They are $21.00 to rent, and $85.00 to buy. I will be using my UP Law hood for this graduation.

Of all colors, Arts courses were assigned the color pink! Hay, buti pa yung science, blue. Here are the different diploma scarves on display. They are $21.00 to rent and $85.00 to buy. I bought this one. So I can use it during graduation ceremonies in the Philippines.

Here are PhD gowns and hoods. I have no interest in taking a PhD. A masters is fine... for now.

And this is me wearing my UP Law gown, Auckland Uni PGDip scarf, and Auckland Uni MPP hood. Yes, I'm wearing a black baseball cap to my graduation... Kidding, of course.

This is unique to New Zealand. It's the Korowai or the Maori cloak. I guess you wear it in addition to the regular regalia if you are Maori or have Maori blood and heritage. The cloak is worn over the gown and to the Maori, symbolizes honor and prestige.

Orientation at the University of Auckland

Some local Maori students perform the Haka for incoming international students

February is just around the corner, which means, for students in New Zealand, summer is ending and a new school year is about to begin. And like any other tertiary institution, the University of Auckland starts the year with Orientation Week. Let me guide you through it.

With other Filipinos in Auckland Uni. Yes, I was the only thorn among the roses (the other, Mike, was based in Tamaki).

Orientation Week started with me meeting other Filipino postgrad students at the Owen G. Glenn Building of the Business School. Aside from NZAS scholars, I learned that the ADB and the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) also sent students to New Zealand. 

Joan and I are both lawyers. She took up LLM while I took up PGDip in Development Studies.

The first day is the orientation for international students (both undergrad and postgrad). Before entering the auditorium, we were greeted by the traditional Haka dance performed by local Maori students. Nothing to be scared about. They don't actually hurt you. Haha. Afterwards, we were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor--the highest ranking official of the university.

We're all given goody bags filled with pamphlets and flyers.

In the auditorium, Rebecca Wilkinton (the International Office Director) oriented us on what to expect in the coming year. 

That's Rebecca standing in front.

Yada-yada-yada. Lot's of talking. Don't worry about it. Anyway, after the international students orientation, there'll be the postgraduate students orientation and the respective faculty (arts, business, law, etc.) international students orientation. They're all pretty much the same, and from experience, you don't have to attend all. Kahit isa lang attend mo, okay na.

The Uni Guide is on the right (not the guy on the left).

Okay, what else? Ah yes, through out the week, students wearing red, called the Uni Guides, will take you on a tour of the buildings and facilities in campus. To be honest, I did not go on one. I was busy applying for my student ID at the International Students Office and opening a bank account at the nearby ANZ branch. But if you feel you want to, then go ahead. You can join any Uni Guide tour at any time of the day.

What I do recommend is to attend the library-sponsored workshops because they are informative and educational--especially for people like me who were unfamiliar with 21st century academic research. If you're not able to make the first seminar, do not worry. They hold the same seminar several times in the first month. Attend as much as you can. They have the general library orientation, one in IT access, another in using databases, then one on thesis drafting.  

That's pretty much it. Just to summarize, you can attend just one of the general orientation talks since they'll all say the same thing. But, I strongly recommend you attend all of the library-sponsored workshops because they are very informative.

PS: The guy next to me above is Brian Lythe. Yes, that guy you're exchanging emails right now. That's how he looks like.  Cool yan. :)

NZ Apps for your iPhone

When in Auckland, I recommend you download these apps on your iPhone for your survival:

a. NewZealand

This one's a Korean app, but it's helpful in providing the basic info on New Zealand like transport and food options.

b. AucklandUni

The AucklandUni app is a must for those studying at the University of Auckland. For first timers, the app has a built-in map of all 4 campuses so you can find your way. The app also has a course list so you can browse through the different courses if you want to switch after your first week. It also updates you on news about and around the university.

c. UoA Library

The UoA Library app is a must. You can search the library catalogue for books and articles. But the thing that I like the most out of this app is that you can book (or reserve) a PC at the Kate Edger Information Commons, so you don't look like an idiot roaming each floor for an unoccupied cubicle.

d. iStudiez Pro

iStudiez Pro is a cool calendar app for students. It'll keep track of your assignments and remind you of your deadlines.

e. itravelNZ

itravelNZ is another travel guide app. I used it to find out attractions and activities of a certain place in New Zealand.

f. Tap To Track, Envelopes, DailyCost

Tap to Track, Envelopes and DailyCost are budgeting apps. Students on a tight budget need to download any one of these apps to keep track of their expenses and stay under budget. These three have been very helpful to me, Envelopes the most because it uses the "old-school" envelope method I am used to.

g. AT Public Transport

If you have to commute to and from school then this journey planner app is for you. The AT Public Transport app will help you find the nearest bus stop and give you the most convenient bus schedules. I wrote about how to use this app in a previous post. Check it out here.

So these are the app essentials to make your stay in Auckland more convenient and comfortable. Good luck!

The Post-Graduate Centre

Arts Graduate Centre at the Human Sciences Building

Unlike in the University of the Philippines where students of the College of Law are secluded from undergraduates with all their classrooms in Malcolm Hall, postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland is different. Postgraduate students share the general library, the Kate Edger Information Commons, and classrooms with undergraduates. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just that it makes it harder for postgraduate students to study. It's hard to find a vacant cubicle. It's hard to concentrate with all the noise and the movement.

But don't you worry. Each faculty (or school) has its own computer lab exclusively for its postgraduate students. A student has to have a key card to enter. No card, no entry. Each lab, aptly called the postgraduate centre, houses just the right number of computers, photocopiers and scanners. A lab has its own toilets and pantry area.

Inside the Arts Graduate Centre

The degree I took was under the Faculty of Arts. Our lab was located at the ground level of the Human Sciences Building. The computers are fast. There are more than enough (except during deadline or finals week). And most important, the lab is a quiet zone. 

So if you find yourself not able to concentrate at the library or Kate Edger Information Commons because of the hustle and bustle, why don't you visit your faculty's postgraduate centre? 

Happy studying!

5 Food Products Cheaper in New Zealand than in the Philippines

Yes, for the most part, it is expensive to eat in New Zealand. A typical Big Mac value meal at Mcdonald's will set you back around NZ$11 (or PhP 400). At the grocery and supermarket, fruits and vegetables are likewise expensive. So does that mean students receiving modest stipends will starve in New Zealand? Not necessarily. Because from my experience I know there are at least 5 food products cheaper in NZ than in the Philippines. In no particular order, they are:

Image from shop.countdown.co.nz

1. Steak

Given that there are more cows in NZ than there are people, one can expect for meat products to be cheaper than in the Philippines. I buy 2 pcs. of Countdown Angus beef sirloin steak for about NZ$10 (or only PhP 175 each). That's pretty cheap for Angus beef. So for my entire stay in Auckland I ended up eating steak at least once a week!

Image from chocablog.com

2. Chocolate

If steak is cheap, it follows that dairy products are cheap as well. This is true for chocolate. One big bar of Cadbury chocolate (220 g) can go as low as NZ$2 (or PhP 70). That's super cheap compared to how much they cost at Rustans or SM supermarket. Not only does New Zealand produce their own milk for the chocolate, they have a Cadbury manufacturing facility right in the South Island! 

Here's another thing about Cadbury. It's not even the high quality chocolate here. I feel they treat Cadbury like it was Goya. A better tasting chocolate brand is local favorite Whittaker's.

Image from mainland.com.au

3. Cheese

Let's go full circle with the cow thing. So I said that steak is cheap, and so is chocolate. Well whad'ya know, cheese is also cheap here in New Zealand. A block of Mainland brand Edam or Colby cheese (250 g), which could last you 2 weeks, is just NZ$4 (or PhP 140). That's cheap!

Image from thedailyspud.com

4. Wine

If you include cheese in your Kiwi diet, then you have to have wine. And luckily, wine is pretty cheap in New Zealand. I'm not a wine drinker, but if you're in New Zealand, you might as well start to be one. A bottle of Whale Point Sauvignon Blanc (750 g) is only NZ$7 (or PhP 245). And there's so much to choose from (unlike the very limited selection at our local supermarkets). In my time in NZ, I've tasted Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rose, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, Moscato, Brut, and Chardonnay. Now I'm still no expert, but once you drink New Zealand or Australian wine, you'll never go back to Novelino.

PS: New Zealand is more famous for its white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Riesling) than its red wines. 

Image from shopnewzealand.co.nz

5. Potato Chips

And finally, in what I believe should be in every person's diet, potato chips is cheap in New Zealand. It's cheap because they grow the potatoes and manufacture the chips right here. A bag of Lays potato chips (150 g) in Rustans can set you back around PhP 110. In Auckland, a bag of Bluebird potato chips (also 150 g) can go as low as NZ$1.5 (or PhP 50). 50 Pesos! Sobrang mura, which means I ate potato chips everyday here in New Zealand!

So there. If you like steak, chocolate, cheese, wine and potato chips, like me, then you will survive here in New Zealand on your stipend. You'll get fat, yes, but you won't break the bank.

Happy eating!

Working in NZ

My student visa allowed me to work for 20 hours a week (For 2014, I think the NZ government increased this to 40 hours a week!). And so for those of you interested to work while studying, you can do so.

But let me warn you, work is hard to find in New Zealand. There's a shortage of jobs. That's why a lot of young Kiwis move to Australia. Aside from the bigger pay, they also have a higher chance of landing a good job in Oz. I'm not saying that there is no job available in New Zealand. There are, but very limited. So you can't be choosy. Of the Filipino postgrad students in Auckland this year (2013), three were able to find work as transcriptionists, one landed a job as a teaching assistant and receptionist, another as a research assistant, one as admin. staff, and another as wait staff. 

It also depends on your background. If your skills are in demand in NZ, then all the better. I can tell you that students with experience in tourism and in the health services are in a much better position that, say, those in the legal profession, like myself. In fact, three of us in the batch are lawyers and none of us could find a job related to our field. Either there is an over-abundance of lawyers or there are not enough cases.

Anyway, let's say you're dead set in working here. What do you do?

Well, the first thing in your agenda should be to apply for an IRD number. This is the New Zealand equivalent for what we call back home as "TIN" (Tax Identification Number). Here are the steps: 

• Download and print the IR595 Form at www.ird.govt.nz. 
• Fill up the form. 
• Then submit the form, together with  photocopies of your 
• Passport information page, 
• NZ visa page, and 
• University ID, at the nearest Inland Revenue appointed verifier. 

In Auckland, the easiest verifier would either be the PostShop or KiwiBank. Don't worry, there are many branches in the CBD. Granting your form and supporting documents are in order, Inland Revenue will mail you your IRD number within 10 working days. And then you're good to go!

The next step is to look for a job in any of the following job search engines:

• Student Job Search
• Seek
• Trade Me

The three work just like JobStreet and JobsDB.

Well, that's it. Good luck in job hunting!

Healthcare in NZ

As you may know, New Zealand is a welfare state, which means citizens enjoy subsidized health care. But what does this affect international students?

Well, if you are in New Zealand on a regular student visa, unfortunately, you are not covered by the New Zealand health care system.

However, students under NZAID Development Assistance Programme (i.e. NZAS scholars) are considered NZ residents during their stay and enjoy this privilege. Here are your benefits:

• GP Care - includes funding for medicines and laboratory tests
• Hospital Care
• GP Referred Laboratory Tests, and
• GP Prescriptions

The University Clinic in Auckland Uni is at the Kate Edger Information Commons.

Friendly Information from the International Office

I am reprinting what the University of Auckland International Office gives out to international students at the start of every academic year. You might as well know it a few months before, right?

Student Services Online (SSO)

• SSO allows you to apply for admission to the University, enrol in classes, view your timetable, update your details and much more.
• You can look up your NetID/UPI in the update personal details section.
• If you forget your password, email onelogon@auckland.ac.nz

EC Mail

• All enrolled students are provided with a free University student email account called EC Mail. Your university email address is one of the University's official means of communicating with you. University communication (e.g. information about your courses, classes, exams, library notices and fees) are sent to this email address and you must check your EC Mail regularly. It is recommended that you link your EC Mail to your personal email address.
• Your email address will be NetID/UPI@auckland.ac.nz.
• Immigration New Zealand will communicate with you through your student EC Mail.

Printing/photocopying

• Cost: black & white - 10 cents per page; color - 20 cents per page
• To print/copy, you need your Student ID card.
• You need your student ID card to add money to your print and copy balances.
• You can add money to your copy and print balances at any of the IC Helpdesks or by using one of the self-service ePOS stations located on campus.
• To transfer money between your copy and print balances, go to: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/cs-add-money
• If you don't have a student ID card, you can take your passport to IC Helpdesk on Level 2, Kate Edger Information Commons to add money to your copy and print balances.

Scanning

• Cost: Free
• Location: Level 0, 2, 3, 4 of Kate Edger Information Commons.

Internet Access

• Students have unlimited high speed access to all University websites and 10G data allowance for other websites.
• For wireless network, please visit www.auckland.ac.nz/wireless.

CECIL

• CECIL is the University's web-based Enterprise Learning Management System. All students enrolled in courses at the University of Auckland have access to CECIL automatically.
• You can use CECIL to:
• Access information and materials relevant to courses in which you are enrolled.
• Check course announcements, marks for coursework and exam times.
• Download learning resources.
• Complete online tests.
• Participate in online discussion/chat.

Student ID Card

• A student ID card can only be printed if:
• Your enrolment appears in SSO.
• You have a photo in SSO.
• Once you have both the above requirements, the card will take approximately 10 working days to print.
• You can collect your student ID card from the International Student Information Centre, G23 Old Choral Hall, 7 Symonds Street.
• In order to collect your student ID card from the International Student Information Centre, you will need to provide:
• A copy of your bio data page on your passport (photo page).
• A copy of your valid student visa to study at the University of Auckland.
• A completed contact information form (available at the International Office).

MAXX Tertiary ID Sticker

• MAXX Tertiary ID stickers give you up to 40% off selected bus, train and ferry fares. The discount applies to the one-way single adult fare when purchasing a tertiary 10-ride ticket of 7-day Northern Pass.
• You need to be a full-time tertiary student to be eligible for the MAXX ID sticker.
• You can request the sticker will be given to you when you collect your student ID card.

Student IT Essentials

Auckland Uni Sign-In Page

I don't know how Ateneo or UP is now, but back when I was in undergrad and law school (more than 10 years ago), we didn't have this kind of IT service and support. So I don't know if what I'll discuss in this post is something new NZAS scholars would already know about prior to postgraduate study here in New Zealand. But for those of you uninformed about university electronic services, here is a rundown.

1. Free Internet Access

There are literally hundreds of PCs around campus. The most number of computers are located at Kate Edger Information Commons. That building has 4 floors of PCs, catering to all kinds of students. There's one ideal for groups, and so is very noisy. While there's another   that caters to individuals, and is expected to be quiet. All of those computers have internet access. All you have to do is enter your university user ID and password.

2. Universal File Storage

Forgot your USB? Don't worry. You can save your file on any of the computers using your personal university file storage. Just save your file on the home drive (H: [echome]) and you can access it anywhere. Cool, huh?

3. Free Wifi Access

If you have your own laptop or smart phone, you can access the internet anywhere in the University. Again, you just have to type in your user ID and password.

Library Search

4. On-Line Library

The on-line library of the University is unbelievable. It feels like UoA subscribed to every possible electronic academic database available in the world. There's just so many to choose from to do your research. And if ever the database you want is unavailable, just talk to your subject librarian, and he/she will find away to get your article. With the number of databases in the on-line library, searching gets so confusing sometimes that I just end up using Google Scholar.

CECIL

5. CECIL

CECIL is the University's learning management system. It is your link to your courses. Your instructor will post any announcement here, and upload the course syllabus, required readings and other articles. CECIL is also the platform you use to upload your assignments. Grades are also posted here. So technically speaking, you can opt to not attend class and just access everything on CECIL.

Well, those are the basics in IT services and support for the University of Auckland. For more information, check out: www.auckland.ac.nz/it-essentials