He angitūtanga: The opportunity

As a Governance graduate, you will be working to enable effective decision-making, by empowering our decision-makers, communities, organisations, and staff so that together we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can be proud of.

In your 2-year programme, you could be spending time supporting local democracy through rotations focused on:

• Advising in our governance model: become a trusted advisor and develop your critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills while you contribute to quality advice and service delivery on a broad range of governance matters.
• Working with elected and appointed members: learn to navigate Auckland’s unique shared governance model and how to work effectively with our elected appointed members. Support the mayor, councillors and local board members to perform their roles effectively to make Auckland a city we can be proud of.
• Engaging with our communities and citizens: bring the voice of Aucklanders into council through research and public engagement, and champion democracy by supporting our local election campaigns and efforts to achieve more inclusive democratic participation.

Each rotation will provide a healthy mix of on-the-job learning, mentoring from experienced professionals and meaningful work.

At the end of the programme, you’ll also be supported in securing a permanent role within Auckland Council entities.

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for an innovative graduate who has good interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships.

You will be highly skilled in applications and possess good judgement, problem-solving and decision-making skills. You must have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and its relationship to local government.

We are particularly interested in candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds.

We welcome applications from graduates in the following disciplines:

• Law
• Māori or Pasifika studies
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Business
• Political Studies
• Community Engagement
• Customer insights/analytics
• Project management

To apply you must:

• Be eligible to work in New Zealand, or eligible to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa
• A relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree obtained in January 2023 – January 2025

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

The Auckland Council Legal Services Department -Ngā Ratonga Ture touches on most areas of New Zealand law, so whatever you’re interested in, you could have a chance to be involved in it.  We have created a fun and supportive environment where you will be able to work alongside talented, committed lawyers to provide legal advice on a wide range of issues affecting Aucklanders.

You will assist 50+ lawyers in the various Legal teams across a range of matters, such as:

• Managing and providing strategic advice on significant and complex litigation or alternative dispute resolution, including Auckland Council’s prosecutions, RMA matters, debt recovery, civil litigation, leaky buildings and judicial review.  You will have the opportunity to observe in court or attend mediation on some of the matters you have been working on.
• Advising and working on commercial and property law issues for Auckland Council and CCO projects, including advising on contracts, acquisitions and disposals, leasing and procurement.  You will have the opportunity to review and draft contracts and other legal documents.
• Advising on environmental, resource management and development matters.  We are involved with appeals of Auckland Council decisions, enforcement and compliance issues, and we also support Auckland Council’s development projects.  You will have the opportunity to work closely with our colleagues who are experts in a range of environmental and resource management fields.
• Advising on and supporting Auckland Council decision-making processes on a wide range of interesting and challenging issues, including bylaws, financial planning, Auckland Council and local government legislation, and law change.  You will have the opportunity to attend the governing body and local board meetings to see elected members make decisions on some of the matters you have been working on.

As part of our rotational 2-year graduate programme, you will rotate across our Legal teams and gain experience in areas such as Public, Commercial and Property Law along with litigation In your second year, you have the opportunity to select the area where you’d like to further your development and specialist knowledge and skills.

Each rotation will provide a healthy mix of on-the-job learning, mentoring from experienced professionals and meaningful work.

At the end of the programme, you’ll also be supported in securing a permanent role within Auckland Council entities.

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for someone who has a genuine commitment to social issues. Excellent communication, problem solving and resilience is a must.

We welcome applications from graduates in the following disciplines:

• Law

To be eligible to apply, you must have the following:

• Be eligible to work in New Zealand, or be eligible to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa
• A relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree obtained in January 2023 – January 2025