Find out about our Summer Work Placement Programme
For over 30 years, Rotorua Lakes Council’s Summer Work Placement Programme has offered hands-on learning opportunities right here in Rotorua.
Each year, our Summer Project Assistants play a crucial role in supporting teams and assisting with important projects and mahi across the organisation. If you’re seeking a paid opportunity to gain practical experience, build valuable connections, and contribute to meaningful work, Council’s Summer Work Placement Programme provides an excellent foundation to launch your career.
What are we offering?
- Paid 12-week summer placements where you’ll contribute to meaningful and ‘real’ projects and mahi
- Gaining hands-on practical local government experience and insight into Council initiatives
- Mentorship, learning and on-the-job-training from experienced staff and leaders in a collaborative environment
- A supportive work culture committed to bicultural values
- Opportunities to build valuable career connections across Council teams and make a positive impact
- Exposure to a wide range of work areas
- Join a supportive organisation that fosters learning and career growth
- Enjoy the opportunity to work alongside a diverse, friendly team
What we’re looking for:
- Team players who are energised by new challenges, approach their work with genuine enthusiasm, and motivate themselves and others to achieve great results
- Applicants who are currently studying or planning to study in a relevant field, recent school leavers interested in our areas of work and/or local government, or anyone who may be wanting to gain experience in a new career path
- Priority will be given to candidates who live in Rotorua or have a strong connection to the community
- A valid driver’s licence and eligibility to work in NZ
What roles are available
For further information, including position descriptions and to apply, please click the link/s below
- Parks & Open Spaces
- Housing, Growth & Partnerships
- Finance & Business Performance
- Partnerships & Programmes
- People and Culture
- Te Amorangi/Te Arawa Partnerships
- Records & Information Management
- Community Safety & Regulatory Services
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are passionate about making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply!
How to apply:
Check out all our 2025/26 Summer Project Assistant vacancies and apply for any roles that are of interest. You can apply for as many roles as you are interested in, but you will need to make a separate application for each vacancy.
For more information or if you have any questions about the programme, please reach out to our People & Culture team at people@rotorualc.nz
Important dates
Applications: Closing date for applications is Sunday, 19 October 2025.
Programme dates: Our Summer Placement Programme runs for a 12-week period over the summer. This year’s dates are from 24 November 2025 – 6 February 2026. All positions are full time placements of 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, for the duration of the programme.