Summer Internship - Engineering
Do you want to learn more about the water sector and gain work experience to support your studies and qualification?
Professional hours that count towards your qualification
Do you have an interest in the water industry?
Join our paid summer internship programme
We have a fixed-term Legal and fixed-term Resource Management internship position available to offer as part of our 2026/2027 Summer Intern Programme. The internship will be from Monday 23rd November 2026 to Friday 12th February 2027. These internships will be paid in line with New Zealand Living Wage.
The opportunity
Our summer internship programme is an opportunity for students who are looking to do real work that will support us in taking our business forward. We will provide a great learning environment where you will get to work on tasks that will help you in your personal and professional development.
During your internship, no two days will be the same, and you will be exposed to a variety of engineering work programmes and have the opportunity to see large projects and operational facilities that ensure the Wellington community receives safe, reliable and compliant water services.
We have internship availability across a range of different teams that have a focus on treatment plant, network, investigation and engineering solutions, development and consenting, modelling, design, asset and project management. Day to day your tasks may include:
Assisting engineers to solve broadly-defined engineering problems
Attending incidents related to the water system and creating dynamic solutions
Ingesting, improving and interacting with various data types
Supporting the team with process improvements for team-specific initiatives
Participating in general and field investigations
One of our internship positions will be working in our programme delivery space, if you have an interest in project engineering please specify in your application.
About You
Internships are available for 3rd and 4th year students studying in New Zealand towards an NCEA recognised postgraduate qualification at Level 7 or higher, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
Engineering (Civil or Environmental)
Engineering (Chemical or Process or Natural Resource)
Engineering (Mechanical)
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Comprehensive wellbeing programme
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
Some support with relocation costs if relocating to Wellington for this summer internship
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: Sunday 13th September 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description click here.
To apply for the role, click on the ”apply” button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site. Don't delay, we will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received.
You must be a current Student and a NZ Citizen to apply for this position. You will need a current NZ Driver's License for some of these positions.
For further information, email: JoinUs@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai.
- Department
- Network Operations
- Role
- Network Performance
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
