Ngāti Kuia Summer Internship Programme 2026/27

Our Summer Internship Programme is designed to provide meaningful, paid work experience while creating opportunities for personal growth, career exploration, and stronger connections with Ngāti Kuia, our people, and our aspirations for the future.

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience within Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia, working alongside experienced kaimahi on a range of projects, programmes, and initiatives that make a positive difference for our iwi and wider communities. Whether you are considering future study, exploring career pathways, or looking to strengthen your connection to your whakapapa, this internship offers a supportive environment to learn, contribute, and grow.

Throughout the programme, interns will develop valuable workplace skills, build professional networks, gain insight into the operations of an iwi organisation, and learn more about the kaupapa, values, and strategic priorities of Ngāti Kuia.

If you are enthusiastic, eager to learn, and interested in making a meaningful contribution while developing your skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

Internship Term: Mid-November 2026 to Late January 2027

Location: Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia offices and programme locations across Te Tauihu

Employment Status: Fixed-Term Summer Internship

Hours: 20 hours per week, with flexibility to support programme delivery, professional development opportunities, and learning experiences that enhance your internship journey.

Internship #2: Community Development Intern 

Help bring culture, identity and whānau engagement initiatives to life.

This internship is perfect for someone who is passionate about te ao Māori, with a strong connection to their Ngāti Kuiatanga, and eager to gain hands-on experience supporting kaupapa that make a real difference for whānau, tamariki and rangatahi. You’ll work alongside experienced kaimahi across a range of cultural, community and engagement initiatives while building valuable skills in research, event coordination, programme delivery and iwi development.

Key requirements and responsibilities:

• Support projects that promote and strengthen Ngāti Kuiatanga, including research into Ngāti Kuia history, whakapapa and mātauranga.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of Hui Rangatahi and other activities that create positive opportunities for rangatahi engagement.
• Help coordinate the Ngāti Kuia Swim School, including enrolments, communications and programme logistics.
• Attend hui, wānanga and community events, supporting the successful delivery of kaupapa across the rohe.
• Work alongside kaimahi from different teams, gaining insight into iwi operations, programme development and whānau engagement.
• Assist with creating, organising and maintaining resources, communications and reference materials that support ongoing kaupapa.
• Bring fresh ideas, energy and creativity to projects that strengthen cultural identity, language revitalisation and whānau connections.
• At times work independently on projects and initiatives while contributing as a valued member of the wider team.

What you’ll gain and learn

• Experience supporting cultural, community and youth-focused programmes.
• Greater knowledge of Ngāti Kuia history, identity and aspirations.
• Practical skills in project support, event coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong communication, organisation and teamwork skills that will support your future career pathway.

Applications are now open. We encourage all eligible tauira and rangatahi who are interested in developing their skills, building their confidence, and strengthening their connection to Ngāti Kuia to apply.