New internship invests in developing future sustainability expertise
We recently welcomed Corban Boyd to the team as our inaugural Product Stewardship Intern.
Corban’s internship is a year-long and covers virtually every aspect of our product stewardship work.
“We host interns every year, but they are usually here for around 10 weeks and have a specific project they focus most of their time on. Corban will be working across the full range of what we do at 3R,” says Dominic Salmon, who will be mentoring Corban.
“We at 3R believe product stewardship, where the entire supply chain takes responsibility for the life cycle of its products, is a cornerstone of the circular economy. Developing knowledge, capability, and leadership in our future workforce is vital to achieving a thriving circular economy in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
3R Group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, with the year-long celebrations themed around e wana ake – strong roots, flourishing shoots.
“Internships like this are e wana ake in action – working to nurture the flourishing shoots of the next generation of sustainability experts,” Dom says. It also reflects one of our company values is tuakana-teina (knowledge sharing and mentorship).
3R Chief Executive Adele Rose adds she was impressed with Corban’s attitude, initiative and desire to learn, as well as his strong involvement with volunteer work in the community. “He is a great fit for the 3R culture, which was supported by his references. We want to show him that if you love what you do then it doesn’t feel like work,” Adele says.
Corban, 21, originally hails from Hawke’s Bay where he went to Napier Boys’ High School. He spent the last year in Wellington working for a stainless steel company.
He’s an avid rugby player and supporter and played throughout his school career.
“I’m really keen to see how my internship evolves. It gives me a chance to see all aspects of a business and learn about product stewardship. I’ll learn what I enjoy and what I want to pursue in future. I’m stoked to be interning for a company that is all about making positive changes for our communities,” Corban says.
“My first few weeks have been a great learning curve and really interesting. 3R is across so many different areas and I am looking forward to learning all aspects of the business. It’s been good to already get stuck in helping with some work on a couple of the product stewardship schemes.”
Corban is fully embracing learning about the Glass Packaging Forum and Tyrewise.
“It’s great to diversify our team by getting someone in who’s not long out of school. Corban will be able to provide a different perspective and fresh, new eyes, which is a great opportunity for us and him,” Dom says.
Find out more about our product stewardship and circular economy work here.
