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.
Paid summer opportunities | Gisborne | 8–10 weeks | 30–40 hours per week
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.
How to apply
Please include:
- Your CV
- What you’re studying
- The areas above that interest you most
- Why you would like to join Trust Tairāwhiti for the summer
- The skills, experience, connections or perspective you could bring
Shortlisted candidates may be considered across more than one internship opportunity where their skills and interests are a good fit.
Apply
Applications close: 30/09/2026
Start date: 01/09/2026