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BOPRC summer student programme BOPRC summer student programme

Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme

For over 30 years, Toi Moana’s Summer Experience Programme has provided hands-on learning opportunities in the Bay of Plenty.

Each year, our Summer Assistants are essential to supporting our teams and advancing significant projects across the region. If you're looking for a paid opportunity to gain practical work experience, build valuable connections, and contribute to meaningful work, the Summer Experience Programme offers a solid foundation for your career pathway.

 

What’s on offer?

  • Experience an engaging 12-week summer programme that offers real-world experience and insights into Regional Council initiatives.
  • Join a supportive organisation which enables you to learn and develop your career in a collaborative work environment.
  • Opportunity to work in a diverse and friendly team atmosphere.
  • Paid positions based across our three regional offices - Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne.
  • Benefit from our gold standard well-being programme with WorkWellNZ

What we’re looking for

  • Enthusiasm and self-motivation, with a passion for the environment.
  • We welcome applicants who are currently studying or planning to study in a relevant field, recent school leavers with a keen interest in our work areas or individuals who are passionate about the environment who may be wanting to gain experience in a new career path.
  • A valid driver’s licence and eligibility to work in NZ.
  • We have roles across a range of work areas, including:
    •    Biosecurity 
    •    Compliance 
    •    Legal and commercial
    •    Finance
    •    People and capability
    •    Land management 
    •    Laboratory 
    •    Data collection 
    •    IT and digital
    •   Rivers and drainage assets
    •   Engineering
    •   Te Amorangi
    •   Information management  
    •    Emergency management 
    •   Climate change

Important dates

Applications: Applications will open on 30 August 2025 for a short advertising period. Closing date for applications is 12pm, Monday 15 September.  

Programme dates: The Summer Experience Programme runs for a 12-week period over summer. This year's dates are from 17 November – 4 February 2026.

How to apply

Check out all our 2025/26 Summer 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. 

View our Summer Assistant vacancies.

Hear from our past Summer Assistants

  •  "This programme is life-changing. The work environment is phenomenal and supportive, leading to personal growth and incredible experiences. Embrace every opportunity to ask questions and learn—it will shape your future aspirations!"
  •  "Whether you're exploring a new field or diving deeper into your area of interest, the summer programme offers something for everyone. The Toi Moana team is welcoming and supportive, making it an experience I highly recommend for learning from the best and building lifelong connections."
  •  "Whai wahitanga, claim your place in the world. You are your ancestors' greatest achievement and wildest dreams. Think. Believe. Achieve."
  • "The role allows you to contribute significantly to the region, and the nurturing work environment makes the experience enjoyable."
  • "Thank you for the invaluable experience. I learned so much and connected with many people who were eager to help. I’m sad to leave but hope to return someday."

For more information or if you have any questions about the programme, please reach out to our People Support team at peoplesupport@boprc.govt.nz.