Graduate Programme 2027 - Auckland Urban Development Office Graduate

• A salary of $65,000, with strong development support and a pathway into a permanent role.
• Be part of work that directly impacts Aucklanders, giving you a meaningful role in shaping the city you live in.
• Make a visible impact on your neighbourhoods and communities.

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

The Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO) is Auckland Council’s dedicated urban regeneration agency, delivering integrated, sustainable, place‑based development across Tāmaki Makaurau. AUDO strengthens and grows communities through neighbourhood planning, town centre regeneration, and the revitalisation of council‑owned property.

Created through the integration of Eke Panuku into Council, AUDO now acts as the council’s development front door, simplifying engagement with investors, iwi, developers, Crown agencies and the private sector, and enabling smart, strategic and future‑focused urban regeneration in priority growth areas.  

As an AUDO Graduate, you’ll contribute to meaningful regeneration projects across Auckland’s diverse neighbourhoods, from waterfront revitalisation in Wynyard Quarter to community‑focused regeneration in Manukau, Northcote, Onehunga and more.

This is your chance to help shape the places where Aucklanders live, work and play, while building a strong foundation for your future career in urban development.

Your Rotations

Your rotations may have you

• Supporting neighbourhood‑level urban regeneration master planning and project delivery
• Assisting with town centre revitalisation and place‑making initiatives
• Contributing to stakeholder engagement with iwi, developers, community groups, and regeneration partners
• Analysing urban development data, feasibility assessments, and strategic insights to support regeneration planning
• Assisting project managers with design briefs, progress reporting, and cross‑departmental collaboration

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

You are a strategic, big‑picture thinker who can look beyond immediate tasks and understand how different parts of a city connect and affect each other. You are passionate about how cities work, including transport, development, and the trade‑offs that shape urban life. You bring a practical and pragmatic mindset, collaborate well with others, and feel confident making decisions while balancing different priorities. You are adaptable, open-minded and curious, and you communicate clearly in both writing and speaking. You enjoy working with diverse perspectives to help improve the city we live in.

While not essential, experience with Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp or CAD will be highly advantageous:

We welcome applications from the following disciplines:

• Urban Planning or Urban Design 
• Architecture or Landscape Architecture

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
• Uploaded a portfolio of your work

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 aim to provide an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to be yourself.

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

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: Sunday, 29 March 2026

Find a copy of the position description here: AUDO Graduate

This role has a remuneration of $65,000

Our employer KiwiSaver contribution is additional to the 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.