Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Sector Summer Internship Programme
About
‘Tupu’ means ‘to grow’ and ‘Tai’ means ‘tide’ in a number of Pacific dialects – referring to the growing tide of Pacific peoples in the public sector. This fourteen-week internship over the summer is an opportunity for you to gain policy experience, build professional networks and helps prepare you to enter employment after completing your studies.
As a Tupu Tai intern, you will share diverse Pacific perspectives on important issues that affect all New Zealanders. The programme supports MBIE’s commitment to improving Pacific economic outcomes by building more sustainable job opportunities for Pacific peoples.
Our Tupu Tai programme is a paid summer internship offered to Pacific tertiary students and recent graduates interested in a career in the public sector. The programme is managed by MBIE’s Langa Le Vā (Pacific Policy) team and placements are offered at MBIE and in a range of Government agencies.
In 2020, the Tupu Tai programme won the Diversity Awards NZ Tomorrow’s Workforce Award as well as the Supreme Award.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for Pacific tertiary students who are interested in a career in the public sector. You will need to be driven to serve our Pacific communities throughout New Zealand and find reward in knowing that your work will directly impact the improved wellness of our people.
Applications are open from Monday 24th April 2023 and close on Sunday 21st May 2023
View the advert and apply here.
Please include in your cover letter:
Your motivation for joining the Tupu Tai Summer Internship
Why policy and/or a career in the public sector appeals to you as a profession
How you would like to contribute to the improved wellness of our Pacific community
Minimum requirements
This programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as alumni of up to two years.
To apply, you must:
Have completed at least one year’s equivalent of full-time study (two semesters)
Be of Pacific descent and allowed to work and live in New Zealand
Be available to complete the internship full-time from mid-November to the end of February
Tupu Tai alumni can re-apply for a second year and graduates can apply up to two years after their graduation.
Tupu Tai Partner Agencies
(please note these our historical partners and a guide to understand your interests. Confirmed agencies for the upcoming summer will be known closer to the end of the application process)
Commerce Commission
Department of Conservation
Department of Internal Affairs
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
Kainga Ora
Ministry for the Environment
Ministry for Pacific Peoples
Ministry for Women
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Ministry of Culture and Heritage
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
Ministry of Social Development
NZ Police
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Oranga Tamariki
Privacy Commission
Public Service Commission
Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Statistics New Zealand
Tertiary Education Commission
The Treasury
Waka Kotahi