Summer Student -Trees on Farms
Based in Rotorua
Approximate dates: 1 December 2025 - 20 February 2026
Scion specialises in research, science and technology development for the forestry industry, wood products and wood-derived materials. We lead new technology development for renewables, bioproducts and energy and the establishment of a broader-based circular bioeconomy.
Scion hosts a number of summer students, each with differing specialities, from tertiary institutes across New Zealand at both our Rotorua and Christchurch Campus. The programme involves a student completing a 12-week, full-time, research project under the direction of Scion supervisors (allowing time for holidays over the Christmas and New Year). Students are able to gain hands on, paid, work experience in the field of which they are studying, where they get to work shoulder to shoulder with Scion's internationally recognised staff.
We are seeking a motivated student to work on Farmer's perceptions of trees on farms
The primary objective of the work/project:
The aim of this project is to investigate the perceptions of farmers about silvopastoral systems and what are the barriers to planting trees on farms. The insights gained from this project will contribute to future work to encourage on farm tree planting programmes to increase the realisation of ecosystem services
Research Abstract
The aim of this project is to investigate the perceptions of farmers about silvopastoral systems and what are the barriers to planting trees on farms.
This project involves the designing of a survey tool based on an initial literature review. The tool will be used to investigate the views that Maori and non Maori farmers hold towards silvopastoral systems to see what the differences in views held might be and if different barriers existed between these two broad groups of farmers
What the student will do
Responsibilities include: reviewing literature, designing survey questions, interviewing, collecting, analysing data and preparing a short document summarising the project and findings. Presentation of work at the end of the project.
Qualifications, skills and attributes needed:
Ideally you will be fluid in Te Reo Māori with an understanding of designing survey questions. Familiarity with Spreadsheets and MS Word. Skills in using R would be advantageous.
Application Close Date: 12 September 2025
