Te Aka Pūkenga Internship (Fixed Term)

Richmond, New Zealand

Reference: 6789776

Full Time - Fixed Term (12-18 Months)

Te Tauihu - Tasman, Nelson

We're asking for an expression of interest if you are interested in gaining experience working with iwi and across multiple organisations in a range of fields, in a fixed-term capacity from September/October 2025.

  • Do you have an interest in the environment from a kaupapa māori and/or science perspective?
  • Are you keen to develop networks and relationships in your day-to-day job?
  • Do you like the idea of a varied job where no two days are the same?

Cadets will spend time across different organisations (council, crown/govt agencies, whānau, hapū and iwi) in Te Tauihu, gaining experience in multiple disciplines. There are opportunities for up to 3 cadets across Te Tauihu (Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough).

Tasman District Council is accepting expressions of interest for Nelson and Tasman.

About the role:

This cadetship role is one of three positions established under the Te Aka Pūkenga programme. Te Aka Pūkenga is a new initiative collectively formed by ngā iwi o Te Tauihu and the three local Councils. The purpose of the programme is to create a skills and experience pathway that will, in time assist ngā iwi o Te Tauihu and Te Tauihu Councils to address future capacity constraints.

In these roles, you will be provided with opportunities and experiences that help grow your knowledge and expertise in environmental management.

You will spend time working with the Councils' teams, the Iwi Trusts' teams, and where possible other connected entities.

Your main responsibility in this role will include;

  • Develop knowledge, relationships, networks and skills in alignment with the Taiao objectives of ngā iwi o Te Tauihu and Te Tauihu Councils.
  • Participate in and support Taiao processes, including statutory processes and ngā iwi o Te Tauihu/Te Tauihu Councils engagement mechanisms.
  • Provide assistance to ngā iwi o Te Tauihu and Te Tauihu Councils on Taiao operational activities and special projects.
  • Participate in learning and development opportunities, to strengthen understanding of the operating environment of ngā iwi o Te Tauihu and Te Tauihu Councils.

This is a fixed term, full-time role of 40 hours per week for approximately 12- 18 months from September/October 2025. For the right candidate, we would consider an arrangement that is less than full time.

What we offer:

  • A unique opportunity to work across Te Tauihu in both Councils and Iwi Trusts.
  • A great benefits package.
  • Living wage
  • A workplace that supports flexibility, health and wellbeing
  • An environment where input, initiative and innovation are encouraged
  • A fantastic learning environment and support for professional development.

About you:

Our desired candidate will have the following skills:

  • A reliable team member who is inquisitive with a desire to learn.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.
  • Display a skillful approach to communicating with a wide range of communities/ individuals.
  • Flexible and change adaptive.
  • Friendly, positive and approachable.
  • Proactive with good initiative and will seek out direction from colleagues when required.
  • self-motivated and have an aptitude for personal development.

This role requires someone that is:

  • Developing understanding and application of tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori.
  • Developing an understanding of Te Reo Māori (desirable).
  • Developing knowledge of whānau, hapū, iwi and marae within Te Tauihu and Tasman.
  • Proficient with digital literacy and experienced using Microsoft Office suite.

Training and development will be made available for the right candidate. So, if you meet most (but not all) of our requirements and you believe that you could be a great fit for the role please apply as we would love to hear from you.

These roles will be based out of council offices located in Richmond, Nelson (and Blenheim for Marlborough District Council).

If you're ready to make an impact in your community with Te Aka Pūkenga - Tono mai | Apply now!

Applications close: Sunday 24 August 2025

It is anticipated that shortlisting candidates won't commence until 25 August and contact will be made after this date.

Applications Close: 24 Aug 2025

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What to expect after you apply

Once the vacancy closes you'll be contacted within 7 days as to whether or not your application has been successful.  If you've been shortlisted for an interview, you'll be contacted by one of the People & Wellbeing team to arrange a time to come in and meet with some of the team. 

We typically only do one interview, however depending on the seniority of the role or the role itself, we sometimes require two interviews.  For mid-senior level and team leader/manager roles, you may also be required to undertake psychometric testing.

In your interview, there will be a member of the People & Wellbeing team, the Hiring Manager and either their Manager or one of the senior member's of their team.  Our interview questions are predominantly behavioural and skills-based.

Summer Student Internships

Every year we employ a number of Summer Students across the Council to work for a period of 12-16 weeks over the summer months (mid-November to February). This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in your field of study, advertising begins early July, All applications are to be sumbitted via our website in July.

We typically have vacancies in Engineering, Environmental Information (Hydrology, Resource Science and Biosecurity), Information Services and Regulatory (Compliance Monitoring).

If you're an Engineering student interested in a Rivers Engineering career/Summer Student position, check out this website for more information - Careers | Resilient River Communities - Careers | Resilient River Communities (resilientrivers.nz).