Summer Student Internship Programme 26/27

About Watercare

Watercare is undertaking a major long-term investment to support Auckland’s growth in a way that is resilient to climate change. The organisation plans to invest $14 billion across the next 10 years, which averages out to about $3.8 million each day.

This summer internship programme is designed for tertiary students who want practical exposure, meaningful work, and the chance to learn more about the water sector while contributing to important work for Auckland.

Programme details

• Programme dates: 15 November to 12 February
• Location: Auckland-based
• Pay: Living wage of $29.90 per hour
• Vacancies: 20 summer intern positions
• Programme length: 12 weeks
• Start date: 16 November 2026
• There is a two-week business closure over Christmas and New Year; the exact dates will be confirmed later

Internship areas

Internship opportunities are available across a wide range of teams.

Engineering

• Water Networks
• Wastewater Networks
• Maintenance Services Networks
• Water Transmission
• Project Engineering
• Project Management
• Waikato Water Supply Programme
• Digital Control Systems
• Northern Water Production
• Southern Wastewater Production

Engineering and other functions

• Energy
• Network Contracts
• Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

Science

• Laboratory Sampling
• Water Resources – Hydrology

Other areas

• Major Developments – Planning
• Financial Control
• Stakeholder Relations and Community Engagement

What the internship is designed to offer

• Real work that contributes to Watercare and Auckland
• Support from a manager, a buddy, and the People & Capability team
• Opportunities to build skills through hands-on experience and planned learning and development

Who should apply

Watercare is seeking motivated students who want to gain experience in the water industry and make a positive impact. Applications are being considered from students who are at least in their second year of study in one of the following areas:

• Engineering
• Science
• Commerce, Business, Marketing, Data Analytics, Information Technology, Finance, or Accounting
• Communications
• Arts, Psychology, or Geography
• Urban Planning

Work location and transport

Although the main office is in Newmarket, many of these placements are based across the wider Auckland region. Some sites, including treatment plants, have limited public transport access, so candidates for plant-based roles must have their own transport and a full or restricted driver’s licence.

Additional requirements

• Must have the right to work in New Zealand
• Must hold a restricted or full New Zealand driver’s licence
• Pre-employment checks such as Ministry of Justice checks, a pre-employment medical, and reference checks will be completed at offer stage
• Wastewater-related roles require relevant vaccinations, which Watercare will arrange for health and wellbeing purposes

Benefits

• Competitive pay and staff benefits
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee discounts with a range of major retailers

Application information

Applicants were directed to submit an online application through Watercare’s careers site.