Graduate Programme 2027 - Ngā Mātārae Graduate

Auckland Council is on the hunt for graduates! If you're in your final year or recently graduated and ready to kick-start your career where your work truly matters, our 2-year rotational Graduate Programme is your chance to get stuck in. Join the largest local government organisation in Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people, and gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to help shape the future of Tāmaki Makaurau as a world-class city.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Our Ngā Mātārae division supports the council group (including council-controlled organisations) to deliver on Māori outcomes by:

• Setting strategic direction
• Enhancing organisational capability, systems, processes, and performance
• Facilitating strategic relationships and Māori participation in decision-making.
  
  

As a Ngā Mātārae Graduate, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction to achieve positive Māori outcomes. 

Your responsibilities will include enhancing overall performance in delivering Māori-focused initiatives and cultivating meaningful relationships with mana whenua, Māori communities and other stakeholders. 

Your work will be guided by our Tāmaki Ora Māori outcomes framework that reflects the needs and aspirations of Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau today. This framework guides how we plan, invest in, deliver and measure Māori outcomes across the council.. Additionally, you will receive full support through a mentor and a designated buddy.

Your Rotations
As the Ngā Mātārae graduate, you will have the opportunity to be involved in mahi across various directorates within the council as part of a rotation programme.  Each rotation will provide a healthy mix of on-the-job learning, mentoring from experienced professionals, and meaningful work.

This could involve:

• Support the building and maintaining of council’s strategic partnerships with mana whenua and mataawaka.
• Help develop and implement Māori Outcomes strategic communications, including storytelling, media and other communications.
• Contribute to the team that leads the investment of the Māori Outcomes Fund, council’s $171 million fund that strengthens Māori communities, creates opportunities, and upholds our Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments.
• Supporting the programme management of the Māori Outcomes Fund.
• Utilise data analysis to inform, develop, and strengthen frameworks based on gathered evidence
• Collaborate with key internal partners and Houkura Independent Māori Statutory Board.
• Review and apply a Māori perspective to proposed legislative changes, strategy and policy.
  
  

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you
You are someone who has excellent relationship management skills, including being comfortable with working with the mana whenua and mataawaka, and possesses excellent communication skills. We are looking for someone who is comfortable with te reo and at a minimum has good pronunciation and uses basic te reo Māori in emails, meetings, and conversations. 

We welcome applications from graduates in the following disciplines: 

• Māori Studies
• Communications and Media
• Political Studies
• Business, Economics, Statistics
• Anthropology, History, Philosophy, Social Sciences
• Evidence of data analysis capability, supported by academic or applied experience, is advantageous
  
  

You must have:

• A minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree
• Eligibility to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 4 years without sponsorship
  
  

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You’ll gain a broad understanding of council operations and receive the support you need to step into a permanent role at the end of the programme. We offer flexibility, wellbeing support, tailored learning opportunities, and a development pathway designed to accelerate your career. You’ll also be part of a supportive graduate cohort throughout your journey.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

How we’ll support you as a candidate

• We value whakapapa, reo and tikanga as strengths. Bring your whole self to mahi.
• If you prefer a virtual interview or wish to have whānau support included, just let us know during your recruitment process.
• We’ll work with you on any access needs so you can show your best
  
  

For more information about the graduate programme, please visit our careers page.  

Te Tukanga Tono: Application process

• Online application – CV + a few quick questions
• One-way video interview
• Formal interview with a 2-person panel – in person or virtual
• Pre-employment checks
• Offer – Nau mai ki te whānau!
  
  

We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received, so get your application in now!  

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. Nau mai, uru mai, your journey starts here.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!
Applications close: 29 March 2026
Find a copy of the position description here: Ngā Mātārae Graduate PD
This role has a remuneration range of:$65,000 
Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

#workingforauckland

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.
 
Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.