Te Puāwaitanga Internship Programme
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Mō te Pakihi | About the Company:
The New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science (operating as Bioeconomy Science Institute) is an amalgamation of four Crown Research Institutes – AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant and Food Research, and Scion. These four entities are referred to as groups within the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Te Puāwaitanga internships are run by the AgResearch group, employing a collaborative approach across the four groups and their internship programmes aimed at supporting tauira Māori. Our internationally recognised scientists work across the agricultural production and agri-food sectors in collaboration with a range of stakeholders both nationally and internationally, putting science and innovation at the forefront.
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Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
TE PUĀWAITANGA GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• Connect with talented students – Te Puāwaitanga doesn’t advertise for students to fit pre-defined research opportunities. We identify passionate students and then match you with projects and teams that match your passions and interests.
• Successful applicants will have the opportunity to co-design and co-develop their research with their supervisor.
• Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga – we prioritise your wellbeing and development, while providing opportunities for networking within the rōpū and the wider organisation. We also provide safe spaces for students to provide feedback and challenge the way things are done.
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Ō pūmanawa | About you
Preferably studying towards, or have recently received an undergraduate or master’s degree in a science (including statistics) - while tertiary level study is preferred this is not a requirement for the right person.
• Understanding or enthusiasm for Te Ao Māori, Mātauranga Māori or Kaupapa Māori.
• Be able to commit to working from late Nov 2025 – Feb 2026 (excluding our Christmas close-down
period).
• Have a keen attitude and motivation to work in an innovative environment.
• Demonstrates safe workplace behaviour by taking all practicable steps to ensure your own and others’ safety in the workplace.
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Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer
Successful applicants will receive guidance and support from Kaiārahi o Te Puāwaitanga, the Māori Research and Partnership group, and their project supervisors. We will work with successful applicants to place you within an AgResearch team depending on your area of interest. For incoming interns, we will match you with an existing project that matches your area of study and your skill set, or we will identify an opportunity for you to co-design/co-develop a project. The project may involve Kaupapa Māori, Mātauranga Māori or have a te ao Māori focus. Successful applicants can be based at any of our four campuses - Ruakura campus in Hamilton, Grasslands campus in Palmerston North, Lincoln campus in Christchurch or Invermay campus in Mosgiel.
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Our Te Puāwaitanga internships are aimed at developing well supported pathways into a science organisation. This is an opportunity to build your skills and confidence under the guidance of our Māori Research and Partnership Group, AgResearch science teams and alongside other students and early career researchers. Upon completing your internship, you will have the opportunity to present your learnings, outcomes, and experience from your project. Some of the benefits for our internship include:
• Mentorship and guidance.
• Gain practical experience from experts in your field.
• Developing connections with the wider research community.
• Exposure to working as part of a the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
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Tono Mai | Apply Now!
Please apply through our career portal today, including a CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter please include your pepeha, previous mahi and study, and details about your journey in, or engagement with Te Ao Māori. Whether you have recently begun your journey, or have grown up fully immersed in Te Ao Māori, we would love to hear about your experiences.
Please contact Louise Hennessey, Kaiārahi o Te Puāwaitanga (Māori Research and Partnership group) - louise.hennessey@agresearch.co.nz, if you have any questions or queries about Te Puāwaitanga Internship 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.