All-of-Government paid internship programme
The All-of-Government Whaikaha Internship Programme offers Deaf and disabled tertiary students and graduates meaningful paid work experience across the New Zealand Public Service.
The programme aims to:
- reduce barriers to employment
- create pathways into professional careers
- support government agencies to build more accessible and inclusive workplaces.
Internships start on 1 February 2027 and run for 12 weeks.
Who can apply
The programme is open to Deaf and disabled final-year tertiary students and graduates who want to gain professional experience in the Public Service. This includes:
- people with visible and non-visible disabilities
- neurodivergent people
- people with long-term health conditions.
You can apply whether or not you use the word disabled to describe yourself.
The internship vacancy will include full eligibility requirements.
Internship opportunities
The 2027 programme offers 10 internships across 7 government agencies.
View the 2027 internship opportunities
How to apply
Applications close Sunday, 8 November 2026.
If you need more time to apply, please email us before applications close: internship@whaikaha.govt.nz
You can also contact us if you have any questions or concerns about applying.
You can find the internship opportunities on the Work with us page.
From there, you can apply through the MSD careers website.
When you apply:
- select the internship opportunities that interest you
- submit any requested documents
- tell us about any accessibility requirements or reasonable accommodations you need during recruitment.
What the programme offers
The programme provides Public Service work experience in an accessible, inclusive and supportive environment. As an intern, you can:
- build practical workplace skills and confidence
- develop professional networks across government
- learn from experienced public servants
- explore future career opportunities
- join a cohort of other Deaf and disabled interns from across government agencies.
Programme activities
Alongside your day-to-day role with your host agency, you will take part in:
- a mihi whakatau and cohort induction
- learning and development opportunities
- public sector networking activities
- career development support
- an end-of-programme showcase and reflection session.
Accessibility and support
Accessibility is a core part of the programme. Whaikaha coordinates accessibility support. Host agencies provide reasonable accommodations for its recruitment process, onboarding and workplace.
Whaikaha, host agencies and interns will work together to identify the support each intern needs. Support may include:
- accessible interviews
- accessible onboarding materials
- assistive technology
- flexible working arrangements
- workplace access adjustments
- changes to communication or supervision approaches.
We encourage you to talk to us about accessibility early. You can tell us about any support you need.
Locations and working arrangements
All internships are based in Wellington, except for one Ministry for Pacific Peoples internship in Auckland.
Interns based in Wellington can get support from the Whaikaha Internship Programme team and participating agencies. They can also benefit from being part of a cohort.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples team will provide dedicated support for the Auckland-based intern. The intern will be part of the wider programme, although their participation in some programme and cohort activities may differ because they will be based in Auckland rather than Wellington.
Host agencies will discuss any role-specific workplace, hybrid or flexible working arrangements during recruitment.
If you need to relocate for an internship, you will need to arrange and pay for your own travel, accommodation and relocation costs.
Employment
All interns will be paid at least the living wage.
Interns are employed directly by their host agency in a fixed-term role. This means their employment will end on a specific date. The host agency will confirm the end date in their employment documents.
The programme helps interns build skills, experience and connections that can support them to find future employment.
While some previous participants have secured ongoing employment, the programme does not guarantee ongoing employment.
Whaikaha will support interns and host agencies to start early conversations about what comes next.
Recruitment and matching
You only need to submit 1 application. You can choose the opportunities that best match your interests, strengths and areas of study.
Whaikaha and participating agencies will review applications and match applicants with suitable roles.
If you are shortlisted, we will contact you about the next stage, including who will conduct the interview and any role-specific requirements. You may be considered for more than 1 opportunity.
If you are not shortlisted, we will let you know by email as soon as possible.
Contact the internship team
If you need more time to apply, let us know before applications close. If you have questions about the programme, internship opportunities, applying or accessibility support, email the Whaikaha Internship Programme team: internship@whaikaha.govt.nz
We welcome conversations about accessibility requirements and will work with applicants and host agencies to support an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.