University: Auckland University of Technology: Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences), Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Applied Language Studies), Master of Creative Writing with first-class honours.
Master’s thesis: engaging ways to tell optimistic stories about inspiring people and active citizenship.
Postgraduate certificate: social movements, policy analysis, creative writing
Social Science areas of study (BA): Social systems, identity, economics, research. Good grades in writing, social theory, criminology and conflict resolution
Work experience
Current: Walking tour operator, independent event organiser
Since returning from my travels in December I have guided walking tours of central Auckland. These cover my knowledge of history, social life, Māori culture, New Zealand identity, and are paid for by koha. Tripadvisor reviews.
Major event success coordinating 60+ volunteers for the Vegan Food Fair as well as recurring events like the popular dance jam 'No Lights No Lycra'.
2014-2015: Artist on tour with my piece, Yashoda
Co-created with Reza Fuard
Arranged full placement schedule for the work over a four month period
Personally installed and operated the sculpture across 8 unique situations
Safely rigging heavy and high-tech moving artwork in trees or purpose-built structures
Adapting to solar power systems, engineering challenges, audience scenarios
Estimated combined audience of 100,000 people throughout the North Island between November and March
2012-2015: Issues Assistant + Digital editor, Green Party
Intensive practice of work in organising, managing and producing positive campaigns.
Set up & operated campaigning call center: developed systems, managed staffing, processed/analysed data, ran trainings and recruitment.
Lead work on Auckland transport and CRL campaigning. Complex information presentation, outreach to targeted/untargeted groups, policy submission guides/ standard templates, public events, and drafting the warmly-received school transport policy.
MP & staff assistance: event management (eg Picnic for the Planet), data management and analysis, practical skills (eg building a parade float, solar panel market stall, media tech support), social media publishing, web editing, design/ copy editing, writing, campaign planning.
2009-2012: Part-time and full-time work alongside full-time postgraduate study:
Auckland area coordinator for 2009 350.org global day of action
Coordinated three flagship events (mass bike ride, mountain climb, festival) and four simultaneous supporting events
Lead organisation of 350 Festival in Tahaki Reserve, Mt. Eden
Each flagship event reported more than 350 people in attendance
Team member in organisation of 2009 Auckland Harbour Bridge crossing (planning, radio spokesperson, web promotion) – three to five thousand people attended the demonstration for better cycling infrastructure
Project instigator/ event management: Art Week by Cycle. These events are still running.
350.org climate justice festivals 2010 and 2011: event partner, MC, planner. At least 350 people in attendance for each.
Editor for regular column Worldchanging New Zealand – team of four local journalists and overseas (Seattle) production partners
Work with Auckland Transport on Walking to Schools and Community Transport programs.
Staging manager: Cycle Style 2010 – small team and big event
Event coordinator: Cycle Style 2011 – creation of event sponsored by Cycle Action Auckland and Auckland Transport, 12 event partners (fashion labels, bicycle retailers, community groups etc), 30 volunteers, general event planning and management
Also created and presented a K Rd vintage show as part of this event which ran as part of First Thursdays and again at Shed 10 on the day.
2002-2009: Affinity iD (formerly Proximity iD) – various technology, project management, production, planning positions adapting to company growth.
Growth of the Jimungo online community from 20,000 membership to more than 150,000
Production of mass emails including personalised dynamic content, various clients
Nexus Silver Award for Customer and Market Insight and Nexus Bronze Award for Strategic Vision in the tomorrowShopper research Project with Progressive Enterprises
Major project: designed, pitched, produced online game Pulse Of the Nation for NZ 2008 General Election
10,000 person quantitative political data modeling, analysis, application
Simulation engine for virtual parliament
Simulator plugged in to predictive game engine & weekly play system
Early part-time work: paper run, gymnastics coach, work with children, direct sales (in person).
Independent event coordination (examples): major events under “Work experience”
Pangea Day film festival coordinator for New Zealand, facilitated with broadcast partner TVNZ, organised central Auckland event
Co-founded Auckland Hackerspace events to support young innovators, now existing as Tangleball (organisation)
Nanowrimo Auckland event partner 2010 & 2011, organising writing workshop events and supporting young authors in a major creative project
Extensive organising for Auckland vegan community - potlucks and special events
Part of the organising crew for regular and popular ‘No Lights No Lycra’ events, 100+ participants weekly.
Travel
2015: Nine-month solo travel through UK, Europe, and Asia. Focus on “progressive cities”.
Solo cycling tours through North Island and South Island of New Zealand. Extensive outdoor experience in NZ.
2011 research project through Thailand and Cambodia
2010 sponsored travel through Japan – chaperone to group of six students as a “peace ambassador” leader for international convention
2007 & 2009 travel through USA (In 2007 as part of a student delegation to a convention)
Visits to Pacific Islands in 1990’s and early 2000’s.
Other experience and skills
Technical knowledge: Excel whiz, sound, lighting, photography, videography. Large, complex art-projects including a spaceship simulator, bicycle-chariot and popular kinetic sculptures
Writing credits: completed novel Rice Fire and Silence and graphic novel Kelp, columns for Worldchanging (Seattle) and Good Magazine, portfolio of short stories and works in progress
Vipassana 10-day silent meditation course, Landmark Forum Advanced graduate
Art Director for short films Gun Man, Deep Heat, the Green Menace, Choir In the Blood, Love [sic], Chums, writer/director of Tiberius
Local and international personal network of creative and skilled contacts
Full NZ drivers’ license, own van and current First Aid certificate
Availability
I am freelancing independently at present with my recent focus on walking tours and launching a new project. These are flexible and can be adjusted to fit around a full-time or part-time work schedule.
I am looking for my next major project or employer. Please contact me on 021-136-8000 or hello@craigneilson.com