Gisborne District Council Summer Student Programme 2026/2027

Gisborne District Council; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Gisborne District Council is offering a Summer Student Programme in Gisborne for a 12-week fixed term from November 2026 to February 2027. You will work alongside experienced Council professionals, gain hands-on experience and contribute to projects across services supporting our people and communities.

You will be based in Gisborne, studying towards a relevant qualification, and you will bring energy, curiosity and a willingness to learn while building practical skills and networks for your

Qualifications

• You are currently studying towards a relevant tertiary qualification.
• You hold a current driver licence - please check the individual role advertisement.
• You are eligible to work in New Zealand.
• You are available to be based in Gisborne for the full 12-week programme, from November 2026 to February 2027.

Responsibilities

• As a Summer Student, you will be encouraged to contribute your perspective, ask questions and get involved.
• Transferable skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, customer service and project delivery.

Skills

Driver's licence

Education

Studying towards a relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Fixed Term: 12 weeks - November 2026 - February 2027

We believe our rangatahi and students are the future leaders, innovators and kaitiaki of our region. Our Summer Student Programme offers a meaningful opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build confidence and explore career pathways while contributing to projects and services that support our people, communities, environment and future.

This is more than a summer job. It is an opportunity to work alongside experienced Council professionals, learn in a supportive environment and put your studies into practice through meaningful mahi. You will build practical skills, professional networks and valuable experience that can support the next stage of your career journey.

Library Services

Monitoring and Compliance

Biodiversity

Regional Rivers

Recovery

Rural Community Engagement - Tokomaru Bay

What you'll need

You are currently studying towards a relevant tertiary qualification

You hold a current driver licence - please check the individual role advertisement

You are eligible to work in New Zealand

You are available to be based in Gisborne for the full 12-week programme, from November 2026 to February 2027

As a Summer Student, you will be encouraged to contribute your perspective, ask questions and get involved. Your mahi may help protect our environment, strengthen community connections, support essential infrastructure, improve access to services or help Council respond to the needs of our region.

What we offer:

Meaningful, hands-on mahi that contributes to the wellbeing, resilience and future of Tairāwhiti

A supportive team environment, with guidance, mentoring and whakawhanaungatanga throughout your placement

Practical experience in your area of study or interest

Transferable skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, customer service and project delivery

An understanding of how local government works and how Council decisions and services affect our communities

Opportunities to deepen your understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori and the importance of working in partnership with whānau, hapū and iwi

Connections with people across Council and the community who can support your future career pathway

Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning we deliver both district and regional council mahi. We're committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything we do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti.

Our mahi is diverse, from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region's future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we're a team that's passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play.