The Department of Internal Affairs

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation



 

GovTechTalent Graduate Programme

Do you see yourself in Government?

Because you should! If you are community-minded, resilient, and curious to learn about how you can apply your knowledge and skills to a digital and technological environment, you have come to the right place. GovTechTalent is one of the most flexible and varied graduate programmes available - giving you the opportunity to explore a range of career paths, projects, and organisations throughout the programme.

On this page:

If you want to sample a few different career pathways, you’ve come to the right place.  Working in two different roles at two different government agencies, our 18-month rotation-based programme gives you the chance to explore a range of career paths and projects within the public service, focusing on digital initiatives. You don't need an IT degree to join us!

Who are we looking for?

GovTechTalent champions diversity in government, empowering socially and digitally minded New Zealanders from all backgrounds.  We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. 

Our graduates come from various fields of study, including psychology, linguistics, political science, business analysis, cybersecurity, design, software development, and more, working in roles such as project manager, data analyst, scrum master, policy analyst, developer, UX design, cloud specialist and cyber, just to name a few.

The ideal candidate for our programme is curious, resilient, eager to learn, has a strong work ethic, and is motivated to make a positive impact for New Zealanders. 

If you think you’re a little outside the box or might not typically apply for this type of opportunity, we strongly encourage you to apply. We need people like you to reflect the diversity of Aotearoa in the public service. 

We encourage and value transferable skills and experience gained outside of work, and we want to hear all about it. For example, cultural activities, community work, sports, volunteering, and roles in different sectors or industries.

Calling all Tāngata whenua and Pacific peoples

We are dedicated to increasing the visibility and exploration of digital pathways for Māori and Pacific Peoples and actively support their success in our programme. You’ll be able to use your perspective to create meaningful change, improve outcomes for family, iwi, hapū, and wider community, ensuring that the voices and aspirations of Māori and Pacific Peoples are heard and valued in the digital future of Aotearoa so we can all thrive and prosper together. Believe in your potential and join us in shaping a better tomorrow for everyone.

Q&A with Govtech Talent graduate Danielle

We are looking for graduates who:

  • want to explore how digital technology can improve the lives of New Zealanders.
  • are in their final year of tertiary study or have graduated within the past 24 months with a bachelor’s degree or above.
  • have earned (or will have earned) a graduate diploma or postgraduate certificate (Level 7 or above) within the last 12 months
  • eager to commit to a Spirit of Service and to make a difference for Aotearoa.

To be considered for this programme, you must be:

  • a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or Australian citizen
  • living in or willing to relocate to Wellington.

What’s in it for you?

  • 4 weeks annual leave.
  • 3 paid departmental holidays between Christmas and New Year.
  • 15 days sick leave annually, applicable from the first day of service.
  • $300 annual well-being allowance.
  • Vision or prescription lens allowance.
  • A supportive environment to develop or grow your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Tikanga Māori, te reo and te ao Māori.
  • Interesting work that benefits you, your community, and all of Aotearoa.
  • Formal and informal mentoring as well as learning and development.
  • A robust network of colleagues across the public service.

How does the programme work?

Your first placement is carefully selected based on your skills and interests to ensure you are set up for success. In your second placement, you will have a say in choosing the departments and projects you want to be involved in, allowing you to refine your skills and become career ready.

Ready to explore your possible?

Be sure to apply when applications open to start your journey with us and help shape the future of Aotearoa’s digital public service. 

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