Graduate Programme 2027 - People Services 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

People Services plays a vital role in shaping how Auckland Council supports its people,  and in turn, how we serve Tāmaki Makaurau. Our team works across diverse parts of the organisation, giving you exposure to a wide range of people, cultures, operational environments, and business challenges. People Services is here for our kaimahi, and as a graduate, you’ll play an important part in this mahi.

What truly sets People Services apart is the ability to make a direct, meaningful contribution. If there’s something you want to learn or get involved in, you can put your hand up and be supported to step into it. You’ll be surrounded by leaders and teammates who provide mentoring, feedback, and a safe space to grow

Your Rotations

Across the 2-year programme, you’ll rotate through key areas of People Services to build a practical, well-rounded foundation in people-focused work. Your rotations may include:

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
  Work on initiatives that strengthen belonging, representation, and equitable outcomes across our workforce.
• Employment Relations 
  Support fair and consistent people practices and help resolve people-related issues.
• Talent Acquisition 
  Get hands-on experience recruiting for a diverse organisation, from sourcing talent to supporting end-to-end hiring processes.
• Programme Management
  Contribute to people-focused projects and transformation initiatives, building your planning and delivery skills.

You’ll also have opportunities to jump into additional projects depending on your interests in People Services. If you want to try something, you’re encouraged to put your hand up.

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

We’re looking for graduates who understand people, or are excited to learn how. This is a hands-on, people-first role where you’ll thrive if you’re curious, proactive, and ready to get stuck in. You’re a problem-solver who can navigate ambiguity and bring a level of confidence to your work. Practical and unafraid to get your hands dirty, you value the power of teamwork and collaboration. You bring strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and an appreciation for diversity, enabling you to work confidently with different cultures, communities, and teams.

We welcome applications from graduates in the following disciplines: 

• Human Resource Management
• Employment Relations
• Organisational Psychology
• Business / Business Management
• Management & Leadership
• Applied Human Resource Management
• Anthropology
• Communications / Communication Studies

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: Sunday, 29 March 2026

Find a copy of the position description here: People Services 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.