Summer Assistant Vacancy - People & Leadership - Future Ready Ways of Working (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.
Te Tūranga - The Role:
Our P&C team is working on a project to ensure that our organisation is prepared and equipped for the modern workplace – we call this project ‘Future Ready Ways of Working’ and it is a key priority for Toi Moana. This work aims to prepare our organisation and our people for the future of work by getting ahead of some of the big changes that will impact our workforce and our kaimahi, ensuring we can continue to effectively deliver core and priority work for our communities…and we need your help!
Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work? Want to use your curiosity along with your excellent research, analysis and reporting skills to support us as we shape the future of work for our organisation and kaimahi? Join us this summer to explore cutting-edge and best-practice AI approaches from a people perspective and support us to develop practical solutions that make a real impact.
As our Summer Assistant, you will:
- Conduct research on best practice and cutting-edge approaches to using AI globally and within the NZ/Local Government arena, preparing a report of your analysis including pragmatic recommendations that we can use to deliver real value for our communities.
- Work alongside key members of our Organisational Development and AI Network teams.
- Help us understand how AI can be used safely yet innovatively to help our kaimahi continue to deliver for our communities in the changing world of work.
- Collaborate with technical leads and have hands-on experience in strategic research, analysis, and reporting.
- Gain exposure to organisational development and future-of-work planning.
- Contribute to meaningful mahi.
Ngā Pūkenga, ngā wheako - Your Skills & Experience:
Our ideal candidate will:
- Have some familiarity with artificial intelligence concepts, tools and ethical considerations.
- Be able to demonstrate a blend of research acumen, technical curiosity around AI and strategic thinking research & analysis.
- Be studying, or planning to commence study, towards a Bachelor in Human Resources, or related qualification.
- Have strong communication and engagement skills and experience working collaboratively in teams.
- Have an understanding of Te Ao Māori.
- Hold a current driver's licence.
This position will be located in either Tauranga or Whakatāne.
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 Jackie Harris - People & Capability Project Lead on 0800 884 880.
Applications close 12pm, Monday 15 September 2025 and will be accepted online only.
