Summer Taonga Beverage Product Development Internship

Science New Zealand Inc; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on internship experience

Exposure to taonga foods and mātaurang

Job summary

Science New Zealand Inc. invites applications for a 12-week Summer Student Internship on Wai Kānuka, a taonga-focused beverage product development project based in Palmerston North. You will work with leading researchers, design trials, and help translate mātauranga Māori into practical beverage concepts.

The role suits students in Food Science/Technology or related fields, with hands-on lab experience and a passion for innovative taonga foods. Travel to Nelson may be required.

Qualifications

• Currently studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Interest in food product development, processing, and innovation.
• Basic knowledge of Taonga ingredients and foods.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory and processing techniques.
• Interest in applying science to taonga food products.

Responsibilities

• Assist with formulation and development of kānuka-based beverage products.
• Design and undertake laboratory and product development trials.
• Produce beverage samples and collect data for analysis.
• Participate in sensory and consumer preference evaluations.
• Contribute to food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory considerations.
• Work closely with researchers and project partners to support outcomes.
• Gain exposure to Te Rūnanga ō Ngāti Kuia Trust and taonga species in food innovation.
• Present findings and contribute to reporting on project outcomes.

Skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Food Science/Technology/Engineering

Job description

Science New Zealand Inc. invites applications for a 12-week Summer Student Internship on Wai Kānuka, a taonga-focused beverage product development project based in Palmerston North. You will work with leading researchers, design trials, and help translate mātauranga Māori into practical beverage concepts.

The role suits students in Food Science/Technology or related fields, with hands-on lab experience and a passion for innovative taonga foods. Travel to Nelson may be required.