With more than 1000 different options, we have plenty of opportunities for students interested in developing a career within local government and want to make a difference in their community. Here, it is truly possible to love what you do.
Apply to intern at the Council
Joining Council isn't just about the job, it's about building a positive future and enjoying a rewarding career full of opportunities to grow.
"My internship was one of the most valuable parts of my degree.”
When you join us, you’re shaping our city’s future, communities, and environment.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at internships@ccc.govt.nz and one of the team will get back to you.
At Christchurch City Council, we’re driven by our passion for creating a better future. Our communities, our people and our environment are at the heart of what really matters to us.
We offer an internship programme across our Citizens and Community Group with opportunities in:
- Parks
- Sports, recreation and events
- Libraries and information
- Art Gallery
- Customer Services
- Community Support, Governance and Partnerships
- Capital Delivery (Major and Community Facilities)
All internship projects are part-time with flexible hours, this means we will work with you on your available days and hours.
Internships at Council are project-based, so you know you’re working on something current that contributes to the development of our city.
You will receive:
- A mentor/project supervisor who will work closely with you during your internship projects.
- Induction, training and development.
- Regular one-on-one and group check-in sessions.
- Flexible hours, to allow you to work around your studies.
- A safe environment where you can put into practice your learnings.
- Involvement in large scale projects and unique research topics.
We have three intakes a year and offer internships for semester one, semester two, and the summer.
Our internships are project-based which gives you the opportunity to work on a variety of current projects within the Citizens and Community Group.
Eligibility criteria
- Anyone who is currently studying at a school, tertiary institution or with a Tertiary Education Organisation (TEO) in New Zealand.
- A person who has graduated from a New Zealand school, tertiary institution or Tertiary Education Organisation within the last 12 months.
The application process
- Visit www.cccjobs.co.nz(external link) and sign in(external link) or create a profile(external link). Ensure you select ‘Entry’ and ‘Graduate’ categories. This will ensure that you receive notifications via email when we advertise new internship roles.
- Upload your current CV and apply for internship roles that interest you when they open. You will find them advertised through our career website.
- Your application will be reviewed by the Trainee Development team. We will assess that you have met the eligibility criteria and review pre-screening questions.
- You will be invited to attend a face-to-face interview with the project supervisor.
- If successful, you will be offered a placement and receive a student placement agreement, followed by induction and onboarding.
Ruby Clark – Climate Resilience Research Assistant internship
“I came to the Christchurch City Council to complete an internship as a ‘Climate resilience research assistant’ as part of my master’s degree.
I had absolutely no idea what to expect when I turned up for my first day, but by the time I left that afternoon, knew I was in for a fantastic three months.
I was immediately made to feel like part of the team and provided with the support I needed to get the most out of this experience.
My team went above and beyond to help me create networks and opportunities for me to develop and apply the skills I learnt throughout my degree.
I walked away feeling as though my internship with the Biodiversity team was one of the most valuable parts of my degree.”
Ruby’s internship has led to a fixed-term role as Programme Coordinator Coastal Hazard.
Sophie Canute – Process Management Intern internship
"My internship was based around documenting pre-existing council processes and putting them into Promapp.
I was given the opportunity to meet a wide scope of different people in the council, run meetings, break down funding and other community processes and learn how to use a range of new computer programmes.
As an intern, my thoughts and contributions were valued and many of my recommendations were implemented.
Through this internship I learnt different processes and requirements of local government and the knowledge of these will be used in future job roles.
I enjoyed working at the Council because I was supported but not smothered, it gave me the confidence to work independently but ask questions when required.
I loved working in the heart of the city and working towards a project that was going to be beneficial to the development of the Council."
Sophie’s internship has led to a fixed-term role as Support Officer.