Summer Assistant Vacancy - Digital - AI Enhancement (Fixed term - 12 weeks)
- Applications are now open for our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme, running from 17 November 2025 to 4 February 2026.
- Opportunity to gain valuable paid work experience in local government.
- A 12 week Programme with opportunities to contribute to our projects and help Toi Moana deliver our community outcomes.
Our Digital team is working on advancing Toi Moana’s AI enablement programme… and we need your help!
Te Tūranga - The Role:
You will be working on:
- Supporting the implementation of Copilot.
- Exploring opportunities for Copilot agent use cases.
- Assisting with testing and documenting Copilot agent prototypes.
- Collaborating with the team on digital enablement initiatives and more.
You’ll be joining the Digital Team, enabling Toi Moana through technology solutions and support. We are one of the key support structures to Toi Moana to help contribute to the incredible work we do for our local communities and environment.
Ngā Pūkenga, ngā wheako - Your Skills & Experience:
We are seeking someone who is passionate about the future of technology and how AI can help streamline our work. You will have:
- Experience with Generative AI tools like Copilot or ChatGPT.
- Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
- Be able to showcase systems thinking and a human-centred design mindset.
- Ideally you will be studying or plan to commence studying towards Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT or Business related qualification.
- Hold a current driver's licence.
This position will be located in either Whakatāne or Tauranga.
Ko wai mātau? He aha te kaupapa nei? - About Us & Our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme:
At Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) we guide and support the sustainable development of the Bay of Plenty, now and into the future. A major focus of our work involves looking after the environment, but we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of our regional community.
Our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme has been running for more than 30 years because we believe one of the best ways to learn is on the job. Each year our Summer Assistants play an important role by supporting our teams and completing important pieces of work around the Bay of Plenty. There is no better place to contribute to your community and the environment you live in, while working alongside passionate and professional experts in their fields
He aha tā Toi Moana? - What’s on Offer?
- An incredible paid Summer Experience Programme with full induction and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Support and mentoring on the job.
- Diverse working environment and friendly team atmosphere.
Next Steps:
To apply for this role, click the 'Apply Now' button at the top right of your screen and complete the application form.
Please note that if this is the first time you are applying for any role at BOPRC, you will first need to create a profile and register on our recruitment website. Once registered, you can then log in to apply for the specific role/s you are interested in.
- Applications will be automatically acknowledged upon receipt.
- Applications will be screened and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps - this may include a phone screen prior to interview.
- Interviews will be held over the phone or via MS teams/ Zoom from Tuesday 16 September 2025.
- All candidates will be notified once the position is filled.
- Successful candidates will attend an Induction day on the first day of the Programme so that you can meet your fellow 2025/26 Summer Assistants and find out more about working at BOPRC.
If you have any queries or require any further information on what the position involves, please phone Lydia McCauley - Programme Coordinator - Digital on 0800 884 880.
Applications close 12pm, Monday 15 September 2025 and will be accepted online only.