Graduate Programme 2027 - Graduate Economist

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 Chief Economist Unit is part of the Policy, Planning and Governance Directorate. We advise decision makers, including elected members and senior leadership, on urban issues from an economic perspective. We assess the resource impacts of policy proposals by analysing the benefits, costs and trade-offs for Aucklanders. Our focus includes land use, housing, transport, infrastructure, funding, and the natural environment.

Ultimately, we support elected members, colleagues and the public to understand the urban policy issues facing Auckland, and the choices and trade-offs involved. 

Your Rotations

You’ll work across small close-knit team with rotations potentially involving:

• Analysing policy settings and monitoring and interpreting relevant data
• Applying economic theory and quantitative methods to large datasets to generate insights 
• Critically evaluating policy and investment proposals to identify impacts, trade-offs and opportunities for improvement
• Communicating findings through clear visuals, written reports and presentations
• Preparing economic advice for decision makers.
  
  

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for someone who is highly collaborative, open to different perspectives, and motivated to apply their passion for economics to urban policy issues. 

We welcome applicants who hold a degree majoring in Economics. 

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 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:  29 March 2026

Find a copy of the position description here: Graduate Economist DP

This role has a remuneration range of $65,000

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

#workingforauckland

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.