Government Health Safety & Wellbeing Summer Internship 2026 | Wellington City

Job Description

Health Safety & Wellbeing Summer Internship 2026

Role Type: Full Time, 18 November 2026 – 19 February 2027

Remuneration: Approximately $29.20 per hour, depending on agency

Location: Auckland & Wellington

Interested in a career in Health, Safety and Wellbeing?

Gain paid, hands-on experience in the public sector and contribute to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of people across New Zealand.

Why apply? 

• Gain practical, real-world experience in a Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) role
• Interested in working within government agencies across New Zealand/Aotearoa
• Opportunities to learn from experienced HSW professionals
• Contribute to meaningful mahi/work that supports people's health, safety and wellbeing outcomes

About the programme – Mō te kaupapa

Nau mai, haere mai – welcome to our award-winning Health, Safety and Wellbeing Summer Internship Programme.

This programme offers placements across a range of government agencies, where you'll work as part of HSW teams and contribute to work programmes, projects and day-to-day activities.

In 2026-2027, we are offering five internships across five host agencies:

Auckland one role with:

• Customs New Zealand

Wellington four roles with:

• Department of Corrections
• Government Health and Safety Lead (GHSL)
• Ministry for Disabled People/Whaikaha

Each placement provides valuable work experience, exposure to the public sector, and the opportunity to build skills in a supportive team environment.

What you'll gain

• Hands-on experience in Health, Safety and Wellbeing working in corporate HS teams
• Insights into careers within the public sector
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful work to support physical and mental health, safety and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealand/Aotearoa

Key details

• Duration: 18 November 2026 – 19 February 2027
• Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
• Pay: Living Wage (approximately $29.20 per hour)
• Location: Auckland and Wellington
• Employment: Fixed-term contract with a host agency

Who we're looking for – Ko te tangata mō tēnei tūranga

We welcome applications from students who are:

• Studying towards a diploma or undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as:
  • Health science
  • Occupational health and safety
  • Global health
  • Public health or health promotion
  • Māori or Pacific health
  • Psychology
  • Human resources
  • Criminology or any HSW related disciplines
     
• Transitioning to their fourth/final year of undergraduate study or graduating, who have completed papers in a related area of study to health, safety, and wellbeing
• Interested in exploring a career in Health, Safety and Wellbeing
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Available full time from 18 November 2026 to 19 February 2027
• Eligible to live, study and work in New Zealand
• Depending on the agency you will need to meet security requirements by being a NZ citizen or NZ resident for a minimum of five years

How to apply – Ngā āhuatanga hei whakaaroaro

1. Read the recruitment guide to understand the programme and host agencies
2. Apply via the MPI careers portal
3. Submit the following: 
   • CV
   • Cover letter (including your preferred location(s) and agencies)
   • Academic transcript (if available)

Applications close: before 11.59 pm on Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Find out more

Not sure if this programme is right for you? Learn more:

• Watch our intern videos
• Read intern testimonials
• Check our Summer Internship FAQs

Need support or have questions? We're happy to support you throughout the recruitment process so contact us for a chat/kōrero about what you need to feel supported in your application

• Recruitment enquiries:
  Abby Walker – Talent Acquisition Adviser
  Abby.Walker@mpi.govt.nz

• Programme enquiries: 
  Anita McGhie-Filkins
  GHSL@mpi.govt.nz

Ma tau rourou, ma taku rourou, ka ora te iwi
With your contribution and my contribution, the people will prosper.