Planning and Public Policy in New Zealand | Various locations in New Zealand

New Zealand Internships (NZI) has been coordinating internships with a focus on exceptional service and a well-rounded experience for each intern since 2007. By working with students personally, the NZI team tailors internships and services to each individual. Based in Auckland, NZI places students across the country in 3 or 6-month internships. In addition to a varied internship portfolio, NZI provides additional support for participants on-site, including travel and social activities.

New Zealand Internships works with a variety of host organizations that offer internships working in planning and public policy. Some may have a specific focus, while others may provide exposure to many different areas of study. Two types of placements and some related tasks are:

Non-governmental organization (NGO)

• Promote our NGO partners through community-based journalism, marketing partnerships, and social media
• Verify organizational financial information and prepare financial and narrative reports and on-going project
• Prepare logistics for workshops and field visits

Non-profit organizations: A variety of focus areas is available, including education and development, women’s rights, healthcare, animal protection, and nature conservation.

• Develop non-profit management skills by contributing in a variety of capacities
• Plan and execute fundraising events while learning funding strategies for non-profit organizations
• Network with business leaders in the community
• Facilitate community presentations and promotional work
• Provide excellent customer service through phone, mail and face to face interactions with supporters

Academic Background:

• Interns with a background and experience in fields related to public policy, organizational leadership, and community engagement are encouraged to apply.

Skills / Experience:

• Interns are expected to demonstrate responsibility, professional motivation, flexibility, and effective communication skills.

Language Requirements:

• English is the language of communication. Interns must be capable of written and spoken communication at a near-native level in professional settings.

Visa Requirements:

• Interns must be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa for their country of citizenship (for example: USA). For more information, visit the New Zealand Department of Immigration website. Applicants are expected to complete an preliminary review of visa requirements to ensure their eligibility before submitting their application.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

• IE₃Global Program Fee: $3,450

• Host Site Fees (see details below): $650 ($325 deposit)*
• International Travel: $1,500
• Recommended Immunizations: $400
• Visa fees: $50* (Working Holiday Visa)

Estimated Monthly Expenses

• Housing: $860 - $1,200
• Food: $500
• Local Transportation: $140
• Utilities, Phone, Internet: $150

*Fee amounts are calculated with an exchange rate from New Zealand dollars at the time of posting.

Host Site Fee Details

The host site fee from NZI includes:

• Personalized internship placement
• Pre-departure information
• Accommodation assistance
• Arrival orientation (Auckland only)
• Welcome package (including SIM card)
• 24/7 Helpdesk throughout the internship
• Local advice and travel discounts
• Certificate of Participation (if requested)
• Invitations to social activities, trips, and events
• Newsletter
• Luggage storage

NZI can also arrange airport pickup (Auckland Only), additional insurance for recreational activities, assistance with Student Trainee Visas, and first-day introductions to the host company (Auckland only) at additional cost to interns.

NZI-Assisted Housing

NZI offers assistance in locating and securing accommodation in New Zealand. Payment for accommodation is due to the local landlord/provider.

• For Auckland placements, interns may choose from city apartments (downtown), intern houses in local suburbs, or homestays. All housing options are furnished and offer private bedrooms.
• For non-Auckland placements, accommodation options depend on location and availability.

Independent Housing

Interns may arrange their own housing if they do not choose NZI-Assisted housing.

Learn more about past interns' experiences below:

• Celia's Fall in New Zealand

“I would say that overall, my internship experience has been an incredible learning opportunity and rather than presenting me with alternate career choices, it has helped me to narrow down my choices into more specific areas…

I have loved working with the planning department the most, as it is what I am interested in as a career path. However, having the ability to edit policies and present my findings to the council, complete with statements of proposal, community engagement plans, council reports, and policy recommendations has been excellent as well, as it has given me a deep insight into the public sector world.”

-Dominic, University of Oregon