• A meaningful role to drive positive Māori outcomes in Tāmaki Makaurau
• A unique 2-year graduate programme that offers rotations across all our teams at Auckland Council
• Receive full support through a mentor and a designated buddy.

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 Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau framework, which highlights our commitment to positive outcomes with, for, and by Māori. Additionally, you will receive full support through a mentor and a designated buddy.

As our Ngā Mātārae Graduate, you will:

• 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.
• Gather, analyse, and assess key information and 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.

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. 

At the end of the programme, you’ll also be supported in securing a permanent role within Auckland Council entities.

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

To be eligible to apply, you must have the following:

• Eligibility to work in New Zealand for more than 3 years without sponsorship
• Minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree completed January 2024 – January 2026
  
  

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Our 2-year Graduate Programme aims to provide you with the opportunities and support you need to launch your career and develop as a future leader or specialist within Auckland Council.  With over 80 areas of business and the chance to work on large-scale projects, we want to see you achieve your goals while making a real difference in the lives of Aucklanders. At the end of the programme, you’ll also be supported in securing a permanent role within one of our Auckland Council entities.

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.
 

We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. 

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Sunday, 1st June 2025. We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may begin interviewing before the closing date. The advert may be closed early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

#WorkingForAuckland

This role has a starting salary of $65,000

Our employer's Kiwisaver contribution is in addition to the base salary offered

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.