Summer Student - Māori Data Governance Policy Implementation
.
Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:
As part of the Government’s reset of the science, innovation and technology system, on 1 July 2025, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research, and Scion merged to form the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, trading as the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
This merger has created a world-class research organisation of globally significant size and scale, with over 2,000 employees — including scientists, researchers, and support staff. It brings together fundamental science knowledge and expertise in the natural resources that underpin the bioeconomy and the native estate, alongside applied research capabilities in manufacturing, agritech and biotech, and the food and fibre sectors.
At the AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd, our purpose is to use science to enhance the value, productivity, and profitability of New Zealand’s pastoral, agri-food, and agri-technology sector value chains to contribute to economic growth and beneficial environmental and social outcomes for New Zealand. We are committed to the knowledge system of mātauranga Māori on equal footing with Western science and existing structures, that have helped support positive change in farming practices and food production in Aotearoa.
.
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
AgResearch is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated students to join us for our Summer Internship program which runs from 24 November 2025 until 13 February 2026. Our program is aimed at students who are currently undertaking tertiary study.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to experience what your science career could be like at a Science Institute. You will gain exposure to the science community, develop your skills, and create collaborative connections.
.
Te kaupapa | The project
The AgResearch group (part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute) is on the journey to develop and implement a Māori Data Governance Policy. You will be involved in the implementation of this Policy via a case study that focuses on one of the many sample & data collections that exist within AgResearch. This includes understanding who the kaitiaki are of those collections, what the kaitiaki would consider to be important considerations, and what their aspiration are for the collections. This project is likely to involve travel to one or more of the AgResearch campuses. Duties will include:
-
- Familiarise yourself with our Policy on Māori Data Governance.
- Select a collection for a case study with the help of the project team.
- Work with the manager(s) of the collection in the case study to understand the current practices for collecting, using (e.g. generating data), storing and disposing of samples.
- Assist with exploring how consideration of Mātauranga Māori plays out for your selected case study, thereby giving effect to the Policy
.
Ō pūmanawa | About you
- Currently studying in a relevant tertiary course
- Be able to commit to working from 24th Nov 2025 – 13th Feb 2026 (excluding our two-week Christmas close-down period)
- A keen attitude and motivation to work in an innovative environment
.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
You will participate in the research described above alongside our science team members, including other students. Some of our benefits for this internship include:
- Gain practical experience from some of the experts in your field.
- Exposure to working as part of a supportive and collaborative Science Institute.
.
Tono Mai | Apply Now!
Please apply below and include a CV and a Cover Letter detailing why you feel you would be suitable for this position.
Please contact peopleandculture@agresearch.co.nz if you have any questions or queries about the Summer Intern program.
Applications close: Friday, 29 August 2025
The AgResearch Group - New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms including ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. We also welcome and support neurodiverse individuals and recognise the value of different ways of thinking.