Back to Blog

Empowering Lives

Pilot Jason Job put on his life jacket for the short fifteen minute flight from Dili to nearby Atauro Island in the GA8 aircraft, MQO. He was about to fly staff from one of MAF Timor-Leste’s frequent fliers, an organisation called Empreza Di’ak. Empreza Di’ak means “Good Business” in the local language of Tetun, and has a vision to see people of Timor-Leste build a better life, through the combination of their own efforts and the power of business. The story behind Empreza Di’ak begi...

Powered By The Sun

Three MAF families in Rumginae, Papua New Guinea (PNG) are probably reading psalm 113:3 (From the rising of the sun to it’s setting, let the name of the Lord be praised) with more gratitude than ever before. Sunshine is not only providing them with warmth, light and Vitamin D—since December 2015 the sun is also providing them with energy! Power has always been sparse and unreliable at Rumginae. It is a remote, hot, humid, and tropical area which needs a constant supply of electricity. Be...

Renewable Energy

Dennis Keya, Country Manager of DREAM Kenya, was a passenger on MAF aircraft 5Y-EST in April when he and his colleague travelled from Marsabit to Nairobi. DREAM, (Developing Renewable Energy in Africa and Middle East) is an initiative started in 2014 by EP Global Energy (EPGE) with projects in Jordan, Zambia, South Sudan and Tanzania as well as Kenya. Founded in 2006, EPGE is an organisation committed to the sustainable development of renewable energy, particularly focussing on wind and solar po...

WHERE DO MOST OF YOUR STAFF WORK?

The majority of NZ staff who are currently working overseas are located in either Australia (Arnhem Land, Mareeba or Cairns) or Papua New Guinea. Others serve MAF Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Sudan).CHECK OUT MAFS GLOBAL LOCATIONS...

I'VE COMPLETED TRAINING WITH ANOTHER MISSION.

Often it will be. For example, a mission that offers a 3-month programme, along with a 3-month practical outreach is usually very good preparation and exposure to missions. The requirement is at least one semester (four papers in total) or equivalent, so other training is often acceptable....

IS THE WORK PAID OR VOLUNTARY?

International staff (those serving overseas with MAF) receive a living allowance with housing and a number of other benefits. (Please contact our Recruitment Team for further information)....

DO I NEED TO STUDY AT BIBLE COLLEGE?

Time at a suitable Bible College is important in helping potential staff prepare to communicate the Bible to others with a very different world-view. Most people really appreciate their time at Bible College and the lessons they learn there. There are a number of options available to achieve this. We require equivalent to 6 months (i.e. four papers) as a minimum. Most important for MAF is that all potential staff demonstrate an appropriate level of spiritual maturity and a clear sense of God's l...

HOW LONG DO MOST PEOPLE WORK FOR MAF?

All MAF international staff are asked to commit to a minimum four-year term of service. The recruitment process can be long (often 1-2 years) and comes at a significant cost to both the applicant and MAF, so we need to ensure that applicants are committed for at least four years. The exception to this is the occasional short term contract for specific projects, or to fill a gap for a staff member on leave....

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Handled through the MAF NZ office to gather further information and to explore opportunities and potential fit to a role....

WHAT OTHER POSITIONS DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR ORGANISATION?

The work of MAF is ongoing. We’re always on the lookout for pilots and engineers—but just as important is the whole team of support staff needed to keep the planes flying. We welcome applications from avionics technicians, IT professionals, financial managers, programme directors as well as staff trained in administration, accounting and project management. Go to our current Vacancies page for the latest updates.CURRENT VACANCIES...

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET OUT THERE?

Applying for and working in a MAF programme requires commitment and endurance. The application process can take up to 1½ years before beginning a four year contract. (The only exception to this is for staff going to fill a critical role, in which case MAF will expedite an application)....

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

MAF staff must have strong relational skills, an ability to work in cross-cultural contexts and to resolve conflict and build healthy relationships. MAF is also looking for people who are flexible enough to adapt, while still able to work to the highest technical standards. It is important that applicants have a heart and passion to serve others by using their skills, training and experience in a cross-cultural context. The work of MAF is carried out by people committed to serve God and those in...

WHAT PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO WORK FOR MAF?

For a pilot you'll need a CPL with an IFR rating prefered, ATPL subjects required for some countries, min hours required for Africa 500, PNG 1000. MAF are now able to process applications from those with just a PPL but who are a path towards obtaining qualifications as a Commercial pilot. In this situation applicants would be fully accepted as MAF Candidates in training subject to the successful conclusion and testing following the normal prerequisites of CPL and SEIR at a later stage. We encour...

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING

It is important to note that every staff member is required to raise personal funds before leaving for the field. This usually involves a process of presenting your plans and vision to work with MAF in churches, home groups, among friends and businesses with the goal of raising a set amount of sponsorship. We realise that for some the prospect of personal fundraising can be daunting, however, we provide the training, guidance, resources and tools needed to succeed....

WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS?

Applying for and working in a MAF programme requires a lot of commitment and endurance. Sometimes people inquire and think they could be overseas in a few months, but the reality is at least 1 and ½ years of application/preparation before beginning a four year contract. (Only exception to this is, if you are going to fill a critical role, MAF will push your application through). Talk to others, talk to your church, explore the idea fully, explore our website, read MAF stories, attend a MAF Recr...

I HAVE A STUDENT LOAN, WILL THAT AFFECT WORKING FOR MAF?

MAFNZ will accept applicants with student loans of any reasonable amount as long as the person accepts full responsibility for their obligations regarding that student loan whether in New Zealand or living and working overseas. MAF NZ will not accept any responsibility for the management or repayment of an international staff member’s student loan. This includes any application or notification to IRD. Obligations for loan repayments are outlined on Inland Revenue website www.ird.govt.nz/studen...

WILL MAF WORK WITH ME THROUGH THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

NZ has a long history of recruits who are known on the field for their “Can do” attitude and willingness to get in there and get on with the job. We build strong relationships with our recruits and support them throughout their journey to MAF. It is a long road, but we work alongside our recruits all the way and provide as much guidance and help as we can. If you choose to apply to serve with MAF, it will be a long trek, but you will have companions to journey alongside you and people who ha...

I DON’T HAVE NZ CITIZENSHIP, CAN I WORK FOR MAF?

Unfortunately, the MAFNZ office is only able to process applications for people with NZ Citizenship or Residency. You will need to contact your home MAF office (home in this context means your country of citizenship), please see the MAF International website for worldwide MAF office contact details. https://www.mafint.org/working......

DO YOU HAVE ANY FLYING POSITIONS HERE IN NZ?

No. All our pilots are seconded overseas....

Mark Fox

Chief Executive Officer - MAF New ZealandSince the age of eight Mark has had an avid interest in aviation. Around the same time, God planted in him a real desire to be a missionary. However, for the next 21 years, God led Mark down a different path, pastoring 3 Baptist churches and establishing an orphanage in India as well as serving for 3 years as an MAF NZ Board Member. Mark began his role as CEO for MAF NZ in 2008 and he continues to be extremely passionate about the work of MAF here in New ...

Mandy Christie

Office Administrator, Donor Services and PA Mandy started working in the MAFNZ office in June 2015. Her responsibilities include providing support and assistance to donors and field staff, particularly in the area of donations and queries. Mandy also takes care of running the office organising mail outs and promotional events.Mandy was born in Murupara, a small town the Bay of Plenty, to British parents who had emigrated to NZ in 1960 as teachers. When she was seven the family moved to Auckland ...

2016: Trevor Strong Passes

Born in Waihi on November 29, 1914, Trevor Strong, one of the founding members of MAF, passed away in New Zealand on Monday. 8 February at age 101. Trevor once said, "It gives me great joy to think that aircraft can be used to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. so that we may have the joy of taking life and and death to the peoples of the world"....

2015: MAF Starts Programme in Liberia

Following long delays caused by the Ebola outbreak, the first aircraft to serve in Liberia arrived at Monrovia on Monday 17 August after completing a landmark five-day trip across 11 countries. MAF operations in Liberia serve around 80 NGOs and mission groups working to bring hope to Liberia 's poorest, including those living in refugee camps along Liberia 's borders....

2015: ZK-MAF Arrives in New Zealand

On Wednesday 11 March MAF NZ's Cessna 206 arrives in New Zealand. Over SO people gathered at the hangar of Christian Aviat ion to be part of the Dedication of the aircraft. Rick Velvin {left) and John Neal {right in photo) carried out the three day ferry flight from Cairns. Mark Fox, {MAF NZ CEO) in centre....

2014: Work on New MAF Training Centre Starts

MAF enters a joint venture with Aviation Australia in Cairns, offering quality flight training with a specific focus on preparing pilots for "MAF style" bush aviation. The MAF Training Centre in Mareeba is officially opened in 2015....