Graduate Programme 2027 -Governance 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 Governance and Engagement department plays a critical role in supporting local democracy. We enable informed decision-making by the Governing Body and local boards, strengthen Auckland’s global relationships, and lead meaningful engagement with our diverse communities.

As a Governance Graduate, you’ll be part of this impactful mahi, supporting decision-makers, empowering communities, and helping to create a Tāmaki Makaurau we’re all proud of.

Your Rotations

In your 2-year programme, you could be spending time supporting local democracy through rotations focused on:

• Advising within our governance model
  Develop your critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills as you contribute to high-quality advice and service delivery.
• Working with elected and appointed members
  Learn how Auckland’s shared governance model works and support the councillors, and local board members to perform their roles effectively.
• Community and public engagement
  Bring the voice of Aucklanders into Council decision-making through research, engagement, public consultation, and deliberative democracy, including processes such as the Long-Term Plan.

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

We’re looking for graduates who are:

• Strong communicators and relationship builders
• Organised, adaptable, and great at managing time and priorities
• Confident engaging with Auckland’s diverse communities
• Willing to learn, collaborate and contribute to meaningful mahi

We welcome applications from graduates in the following disciplines: 

• Māori or Pasifika studies
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Business
• Political Studies
• Community Engagement
• Customer insights/analytics
• Project management
• Global Studies
• Law

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
• A valid New Zealand restricted license is preferred but not required

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: Governance Graduate PD

This role has a remuneration of $65,000

Our employer KiwiSaver contribution is additional 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.