Summer Internship Programme 2026/27

Trust Tāirawhiti; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 27,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Mentoring

Skill development

Networking

Exposure to diverse stakeholders

Career pathways

Job summary

Trust Tairāwhiti offers an 8–10 week paid internship in Gisborne, delivering practical work experience across regional economic and community development projects. You will work with experienced staff, receive mentoring, and build professional skills and networks that align with Te Tairāwhiti’s aspirations.

We welcome students from a wide range of study areas and encourage curiosity, collaboration, and a proactive approach to mahi that matters for the future of Te Tairāwhiti.

Qualifications

• Must be a current student and available for 8–10 weeks.
• Interest in regional economic and community development.
• Willingness to learn and work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to real projects across Te Tairāwhiti.
• Work with experienced staff and receive mentoring.
• Help develop practical skills and professional networks.

Education

Currently a student in Economics | Commerce | Finance | Business | Māori Development | Tourism | Community Development | Social Sciences | Public Policy | Planning | Data and Analytics | Project Management | Marketing and Communications

Job description

Gain experience, build connections and contribute to Tairāwhiti.

Over 8-10 weeks, you’ll get hands‑on experience, develop practical skills and work alongside experienced people on real projects that contribute to Te Tairāwhiti.

Whether you’re studying locally or heading home for summer, it’s a chance to build your experience, make new connections and apply your skills and ideas to work.

About the Trust

Trust Tairāwhiti is the regional community trust with a strategic focus on economic development, community initiatives and investment that support the wellbeing of our people and place. Our aspiration is for a region of Te Mana - Shared Pride, Te Ihi - Shared Prosperity, and Te Wehi - Shared Opportunity, where our people and communities can live the lives we value.

Opportunities may be available across:

• Economic development
• Māori economic and business development
• Community development and wellbeing
• Tourism and visitor experience
• Finance, investment and commercial
• Research, data and analysis
• Strategy and project delivery
• Stakeholder, iwi and community engagement

What we offer:

• Paid, practical work experience
• Meaningful mahi with regional outcomes
• Support and mentoring from experienced Trust Tairāwhiti staff
• Opportunities to build professional skills, confidence and networks
• Exposure to diverse businesses, iwi, communities and stakeholders across Te Tairāwhiti
• Insight into potential career pathways in regional, economic and community development
• An opportunity to bring your ideas to mahi that matters for the future of Tairāwhiti.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from students across a range of study areas, including:

Economics | Commerce | Finance | Business | Māori Development | Tourism | Community Development | Social Sciences | Public Policy | Planning | Data and Analytics |Project Management | Marketing and Communications | or related areas

We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a willingness to learn and a positive approach to working with others.

About the programme

Placements are based in Gisborne, starting from November 2026, and will generally run for 8-10 weeks.

The work will vary depending on the placement. You could take ownership of a specific project or contribute to existing Trust Tairāwhiti work programmes.

You’ll have a dedicated supervisor, clear goals and regular support throughout your internship. You’ll also have opportunities to learn about the wider work of Trust Tairāwhiti and connect with people across the organisation.