Join our summer internship
This page outlines our All-of-Government paid internship programme, aimed at final-year tertiary students and recent graduates with lived disability experience.
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is piloting an All-of-Government paid internship programme from 19 November 2025 to 13 February 2026.
Applications have now closed.
We will be matching interns to roles in 11 government agencies. Opportunities are available in teams involved in emergency management, policy, communications, human resources, and more.
What is on offer
The internship programme is an opportunity for you to gain public sector work experience, build your professional network, and help you prepare for employment. Your wellbeing and accessibility needs will be a high priority.
You will also get opportunities to:
- take part in formal learning and development sessions
- work with an assigned mentor and buddy
- connect and share your experiences with other interns in the programme
- receive career support at the end of the programme
- have a great time!
Who we are looking for
The programme is open to tertiary students in their final year of study, as well as recent graduates.
You will need to live in, or temporarily relocate to, Wellington for the full programme (19 November 2025 to 13 February 2026).
Programme places are limited – with up to 13 placements available across 11 agencies.
Key dates
- 22 August: Applications open.
- 5 September: Applications close at midnight.
- September to October: Selection process and interviews.
- 19 November: First day of the internship.
- 13 February 2026: Internship ends.
General information
- Length of internship programme: 19 November 2025 to 13 February 2026 (about 11 weeks). There is no expectation of ongoing employment after the internship.
- Location: All successful interns are expected to cover their own relocation expenses.
- Your employer and pay: Your employer will be the host agency you are placed with. They will offer you a paid fixed-term employment contract and set your salary.
- Days and hours of work: Typically, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can discuss flexible work options with your host agency such as part-time hours, start and end times, and work from home arrangements.
Application process
Applications have closed.
Read about the internship application process and workplace details
If you have questions, please contact peopleandculture@whaikaha.govt.nz
Participating agencies
- Department of Internal Affairs – Te Tari Taiwhenua
- Inland Revenue – Te Tari Taake
- Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha
- Ministry of Education – Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
- Ministry for the Environment – Manatū Mō Te Taiao
- Ministry for Pacific Peoples – Te Manatū mō Ngā Iwi o Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa
- Ministry of Social Development – Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora
- National Emergency Management Agency – Te Rākau Whakamarumaru
- New Zealand Qualifications Authority – Mana Tohu Mātauranga o Aotearoa
- Real Estate Authority – Te Mana Papawhenua
- Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa
Internship agencies and roles
For more information about what roles are available, read about the internship agencies and roles