Are you ready to embark on an enriching journey with the Office of the Ombudsman's Kiingitanga/Summer Internship Programme? This summer, we're excited to offer six unique 13 week internship opportunities that promise to deepen your understanding of the Chief Ombudsman's vital role and equip you with practical skills for your academic journey.
Mo te Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata - About the Ombudsman
The Chief Ombudsman works with his staff to help New Zealanders in their dealings with government agencies. The focus is on handling complaints against government agencies, undertaking investigations and inspections, and encouraging good administration. The Chief Ombudsman is independent and impartial, with the goal of fairness for all.
Mo nga turanga - About the Internship roles
Our Kiingitanga/Summer internship programme is back for the sixth time, offering supervised placements with clear learning objectives. We are continuing our internship stream for applicants from the disability community, along with our Kiingitanga Internship. The reasons for including both initiatives are as follows:
Kiingitanga internship
We are proud to partner with Te Tari o te Kiingitanga. This internship is designed to achieve several important objectives, including enhancing Maori engagement with our Office, infusing our work with invaluable Maori perspectives, and elevating the Office's reputation as an attractive employer for Maori tertiary students.
Lived experience of disability internship stream
We're also once again seeking an intern from the disability community. This stream is important because it aligns with the Chief Ombudsman's role under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Additionally, we greatly value the unique perspectives that individuals with lived experiences bring to our work.
In your application, please let us know if you are applying as part of our Kiingitanga and/or lived experience of disability initiatives (you can select more than one).
As an intern, you can expect to:
- Gain valuable work experience
- Develop a deeper understanding of the Chief Ombudsman's work
- Collaborate in supportive teams within a dynamic environment
The internship will commence on 17 November 2025 and end on 13 February 2026, based in our Wellington office.
The internship roles are for up to 37.5 hours per week, with a break for the end-of-year public holidays.
Mo nga ropu mahi - About the Internship teams
Information Knowledge Management
Join us if you're curious and eager to delve into Information Management within a Parliamentary Office. This internship offers hands-on experience in records management and library processes, allowing you to contribute to key projects and develop essential professional skills. Gain invaluable insights and make a meaningful impact in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Learning and Agency Development
Come and join us if you are passionate about helping others develop the skills to be the best they can be. This internship offers hands-on experience in learning needs analysis, high level design documentation, and designing & developing eLearning modules. You will work closely with some of the country's most talented learning designers to develop an eLearning course that aims to improve public sector decision making processes. Gain invaluable insights and make a meaningful impact in a supportive and dynamic team.
Publications and Digital
Join us if you're passionate about content design, publications and digital channels. The Publications and Digital Team at the Office of the Ombudsman plays a key role in how we connect with the public and tell our story. You'll be part of a supportive team that values learning, collaboration, and innovation. Gain hands-on experience in the full lifecycle of digital and publication work: from content design, editing, and plain language writing, through to digital channel management, user experience, and accessibility best practice.
Ropu Maori Hononga Hapori
In this internship, you'll play a crucial role in gathering, analysing, and presenting information from various reports that will directly contribute to the development and implementation of our Maori engagement practices. You'll actively assist in coordinating the Te Ao Maori Strategy and collecting valuable insights from internal groups to shape tikanga-informed practices.
Security
Join us if you're curious and passionate about security and particularly Cyber or Information security in a corporate environment. This internship offers hands-on experience in security management, policy development, and risk mitigation. Work closely with our experienced security team including the Manager Security, Senior Advisors (Information and Protective Security), and contribute to key projects that enhance our organisational security. Gain invaluable insights and make a meaningful impact in a supportive and dynamic team.
Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT)
Join us and learn about the role of OPCAT (Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture); examining places of detention and preventing the cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of persons who are detained. The focus of this internship involves researching and developing a literature review to inform a risk framework to help prioritise OPCAT examination and places of detention. You will work collaboratively with our experienced team and make a meaningful contribution to the work at the Ombudsman.
He korero mou - About you
To be successful in this role, ideally you will have:
- Successfully completed (or on track to complete) the second year (minimum) of a tertiary qualification relevant to the internship(s) you're applying for
- Great communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships
- A curious, practical, and innovative mind-set
- A willingness to learn and get involved
- Good time management, planning and prioritising skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain independence and objectivity
Me pehea te tono - How to apply
Applying is easy; follow these steps to join our team:
- Click the `Apply Now' button to access our online career center.
- Fill out our application form.
- Upload your CV (Curriculum Vitae).
- Provide evidence of your tertiary exam results.
- Include a cover letter specifying:
- your current field of study and how it relates to the internship(s) you are applying for. Note: Please only apply for one or two internship positions. If you are applying for two internships, please note your preference.
- If you are applying through the Kiingitanga internship, or lived experience of disability stream. If you are applying for the Kiingitanga Internship, please also include your understanding of te Kiingitanga.
For any additional information regarding our internship programme, please reach out to us at recruitment@ombudsman.parliament.nz
You will be paid in line with the living wage, which is $28.95 per hour.
The Chief Ombudsman is committed to providing equal employment opportunities, fostering a culture of inclusion, and diversity of thinking and harnessing greater diversity in his people. We welcome enquiries from all students, including Maori, Pacific People, LGBTTIQA+ and disabled communities including people with mental, psychological, or social disabilities, and make reasonable accommodations. Please let the recruitment team know if you need any reasonable accommodation and/or additional support, including whanau support, when applying.
Applications close 5pm, Tuesday 16 September 2025