Summer Internship Programme 2026/27

About the roles:

Gain experience, build connections and contribute to Tairāwhiti

Trust Tairāwhiti is looking for interns to join the 2026/27 Summer Internship Programme.

Over 8–10 weeks, you'll get hands-on experience, develop practical skills and work alongside experienced people on real projects that contribute to Te Tairāwhiti. Whether you're studying locally or heading home for summer, it's a chance to build your experience, make new connections and apply your skills and ideas to work.

Opportunties may be available across:

• Economic development
• Māori economic and business development
• Community development and wellbeing
• Tourism and visitor experience
• Finance, investment and commercial
• Research, data and analysis
• Strategy and project delivery
• Stakeholder, iwi and community engagement

What we offer:

• Paid, practical work experience
• Meaningful mahi with regional outcomes
• Support and mentoring from experienced Trust Tairāwhiti staff
• Opportunities to build professional skills, confidence and networks
• Exposure to diverse businesses, iwi, communities and stakeholders across Te Tairāwhiti
• Insight into potential career pathways in regional, economic, and community development
• An opportunity to bring your ideas to mahi that matters for the future of Tairāwhiti.

Who we're looking for:

We welcome applications from students across a range of study areas, including:

Economics, Commerce, Finance, Business, Māori development, Tourism, Community development, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Planning, Data and Analytics, Project Management, Marketing and Communications or related areas

We're looking for people who bring curiosity, a willingness to learn and a positive approach to working with others.

About the Programme:

Placements are based in Gisborne, starting from November 2026. and will generally run for 8-10 weeks, 30-40 hours per week.

The work will vary depending on the placement. You could take ownership of a specific project or contribute to existing Trust Tairāwhiti work programmes.

You'll have a dedicated supervisor, clear goals and support throughout your internship. You'll also have opportunities to learn about the wider work of Trust Tairāwhiti and connect with people across the organisation.

How to apply:

Please include:

• your CV
• What you've studying
• The areas above that interest you most
• Why you would like to join Trust Tairāwhiti for the summer
• The skills, experience, connections or perspective you could bring

Shortlisted candidates may be considered across more than one internship opportunity where the skills and interest are a good fit.

Applications close: 30 September 2026