Rachel Turner

Skills/Experience that I Possess:   An Employment Background in Customer Service and Assisting the Public   An Undergraduate Background in Archaeological Field and Lab methods including photo documentation and conducting inventories of material culture   A Graduate Background in Māori Cultural Heritage and Iwi Identity in relation to Archaeology and Legislative protection   I Took a Basic course in Te Reo Māori, but also learned key Māori terms relating to Anthropological research and tikanga Māori from South Island Iwi representatives.  I am also currently enrolled in a Te Reo course at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology This will allow me to better communicate with iwi and hapū in their own terms leading to more understanding of the spiritual significance of tapu and taonga items   An Awareness of the highly sensitive nature of all cultural items such as Wāhi Tapu and Wāhi Taonga       As well as the respect and high regard in which both items and land are held       Punctuality and Preparedness Ability to meet established deadlines   I am Adept at Communicating with others and Comfortable in a range of Social and Cultural settings This is beneficial when speaking with those of different cultural backgrounds than myself    Ability to Speak and Understand Intermediate Level Spanish   Good Computer Skills; Can learn new programs quickly Ability to Self-manage and Work effectively in different types of situations Beneficial toward creating Māori contacts, obtaining iwi interviews, attending hui and compiling data.  Also helpful in setting individual goals or as a team   Flexibility Prepared to change tasks, contacts and/or work hours frequently as needed.   Motivation to learn as much as I can and to educate others Having Native American ancestry (Melungeon/Cherokee), I am passionate about learning and communicating with others about Indigenous cultures