   
Applications are now closed for new Kidsline Buddies in 2009
I can't download an application form!?!
If you have trouble downloading an application form please contact us here (or call our office on 524 3080) and we will post you one. Please head your request "APPLICATION REQUEST".
Can I apply if I am not currently in Year 11?
Unfortunately, no. Being a Kidsline Buddy is a two year programme for Year 12 and 13 students only. We do not take applicants at later or earlier year levels.
If you are younger, please check back in the year that you are Year 11.
If you are older and keen to make a difference to young people, you might try applying to Auckland Youthline. If you live outside of Auckland, try contacting your local Youthline centre through the same website.
I don't live in Auckland - can I still be a Buddy?
Again, unfortunately, no. Kidsline operates out of our base in Newmarket/Greenlane, Auckland. If you don't live or go to school within reasonable travel distance of central Auckland we can't consider you as an applicant.
How many applicants will you accept?
This year we are looking for up to 40 new Buddies to join our existing team.
How do you choose the successful applicants?
With difficulty! Our application process, explained in full on the application form, is designed to help us choose those applicants we think will be able to offer the most to Kidsline at this point in their lives.
That was a pretty wishy washy answer, can't you be more specific??
Okay, the Kidsline Resource Team (KRT) and Kidsline Manager read each application. This gives us a pretty good idea of who you are. Everyone who applies in writing is then invited to come to an Orientation session so they can find out a bit more about Kidsline and so we can put a face to your application.
After all three Orientation sessions we select a smaller group to come to an Interview Night where we get to find out a bit more about each person and then finally the KRT select a group of applicants to train as Buddies. It is a long process, but we are serious about giving everyone a fair chance to express themselves and show their strengths as a potential Buddy.
Okay then, to put it another way, what sorts of people get picked as Kidsline Buddies?
All sorts of people! Our main selection criteria is to get a mix of different sorts of people from a variety of backgrounds and different personality types. We are looking for mature young people who reflect the diversity of New Zealand kids. It's important that successful applicants also can fufiill the qualities listed at the bottom of page 1 of the information sheet (included on the application form).
Why do I need to include a photo with my application?
This is simply a memory tool to help us remember many dozens of applicants. As you may find yourself, we find it easier to remember each application we read if we have a visual prompt and we can recognise that person when we get to meet them in person later.
One hint would be to include a clear photo which looks like you (so we can recognise you)! Group shots or very small or obscured prints are not very helpful. Giant sized photos (bigger than a normal 6" x 4" / 15 x 10cm print) are also a bit of an administrative headache. Digital photos from a good colour printer are fine if they are clear. Don't worry though, it doesn't need to be glamorous!
What if I can't make it to an Orientation day or Interview night? Can I still become a Buddy?
No. Because of the often large number of applicants we get, 1) it gets too difficult to arrange one-on-one meetings with individual applicants, 2) our interviewing involves working in groups which is not possible to replicate and 3) any special advantage you might gain would be unfair to other applicants.
If you can't arrange to get to Kidsline at these times then it might mean you go to school or live too far away from Kidsline to be eligible. If you have other commitments on all of the Orientation days it may be you do not have available spare time to fulfill our shift and training commitment.
I can't make it to some or all of the Intake Training Programme (December Weekend, January Days or Final Intake Day). Can I still become a Buddy?
No. All three parts of our Intake training programme are compulsory.
Please don't apply if you know you won't be able to make it to the required printed dates as we won't be able to consider your application.
Who looks at my application form?
Your application form is marked 'Confidential' and that is how we keep it. Only members of the Kidsline Resource Team involved in the decision making process will read your application. Other applicants or anyone else not involved in selection will not be shown your application. Confidentiality is a guiding value of being a Kidsline Buddy, so we are especially sensitive that applicants wish their details and answers be kept confidential.
What will happen to my application form afterwards?
Kidsline will keep the applications of successful applicants on file for the duration of their time as a Buddy. Unsuccessful applicants may request their application be returned to them, otherwise they will be securely destroyed 30 days after the decision.
Can I apply online or by email?
No. We don't have systems in place to securely accept applications through this website or by email. However you can email any questions not already answered above to us here. Please head your request "APPLICATION ENQUIRY".
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