Aussie crosses Tasman for NZ dream job
10 Sep 2009
A vivacious 20-year-old Australian tourism student has won a ‘dream job’ giving her an all-expenses paid, three-month trip around New Zealand next year.
Nicquel Rhoden, from Brisbane, beat more than 300 applicants to win the ‘Entirely World Famous’ competition run by New Zealand travel company, Entirely Kiwi.
The gimmick designed to help market New Zealand to the world attracted applications from all around the globe.
Personality plus
The dream role involves travelling New Zealand to meet with clients and promoting the country "through any means possible".
Vanessa Forsyth, director of Entirely Kiwi, the Wellington company behind the job, said Rhoden had been chosen because of her personality.
"We chose Nicquel because she's bubbly, vivacious and incredibly personable," Forsyth said.
The competition required applicants to make a video explaining why they were the best person for the job, and then attract fans on a website blog.
Contestants were judged on their popularity, sense of humour and "ability to brag".
Tourism degree
Rhoden, who is finishing a tourism degree at the University of Queensland, won free flights and accommodation for three months, transport, a daily food allowance, spending money and a camera. Her trip is scheduled to start in February.
Picking an Australian winner had caused some controversy among New Zealanders, said Forsyth, but Rhoden said she was "not at all surprised" to hear there had been a backlash.
"That's exactly how it was in Australia when a Briton won our top job, so I kind of expected it if the New Zealander didn't win," Rhoden said.
"The most important thing is that I think I'm able to promote New Zealand just as well as a local could because I totally love the country."
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