Graduate Programme 2027 - Licensing and Compliance 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
The Licensing and Compliance department of Auckland Council is responsible for a range of regulatory functions that help ensure public safety, protecting our natural and built environment and maintaining regulatory standards.

Our staff undertake regular site inspections across the region and respond to customer requests for service, ensuring the community can expect a rapid response to non-complying activities in our community.

Our business units in this department include licensing and environmental health, environmental monitoring, compliance and regulatory support.

Your Rotations
Each rotation will provide a healthy mix of formal learning, on-the-job learning, mentoring from experienced professionals and meaningful work.

• Dealing with complex, systemic, or emerging compliance issues, developing project plans and using an array of interventions – from education campaigns to the mobilisation of enforcement teams – to address cause of the issue.
• Processing and monitoring alcohol licenses for bars, restaurants, and events, ensuring compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, striving to improve, promote, protect public health and minimise harm to Aucklanders by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and bylaws.
• Monitoring a wide range of resource consents to ensure that projects comply with approved resource consents and other regulations. Projects may range from earthworks and construction through to stormwater, wastewater, industrial activities and coastal works.
• Delivering administrative support throughout the department while providing customer service to our customers.
  
  

This role is deemed safety sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you
We are looking for someone who is passionate about ensuring that public and environmental health is promoted across the region. You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills with a strength in conflict resolution.

Whilst prior applicants have come through either an Environmental Science, Criminology, Urban Planning or tertiary pathway, we welcome applicants with a passion and motivation for licensing and compliance work. This could include a genuine interest in the Resource Management Act, Building Act, Local Government Act and more general Auckland Council Bylaws, with the ability to demonstrate your knowledge and passion in one or all of these areas.

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
• Have a valid NZ-restricted driver’s license
  
  

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: Licensing and Compliance Graduate DP
This role has a remuneration range of: $65,000

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

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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.