Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Sector Summer Internship Programme
Join the growing tide of Pacific peoples working in public policy in Aotearoa. Gain work experience in an 11-week internship over summer.
On this page
Why you should apply
Our Tupu Tai programme is a paid 11-week summer internship offered to Pasifika tertiary students and recent graduates interested in a career in the public sector.
'Tupu' means 'to grow' and ‘Tai’ means 'tide' in a number of Pacific dialects – referring to the growing tide of Pacific peoples in policy roles in the public sector.
This is an opportunity for you to gain policy experience, build professional networks, and helps prepare you to enter employment after completing your studies.
"Tupu Tai is unlike any other internship, it provided growth beyond my career aspirations. I found myself surrounded by a team that was creative, caring and exceptional. When I entered TT I was hoping that I'd get some experience and maybe a few friends along the way. What I received was a whānau and a greater sense of confidence in myself as a Māori and Pasifika wāhine in the public sector."
Akasha, Tupu Tai alumni 2019/2020
Find out more about training and skills development with Tupu Tai
Tupu Tai Pasifika internship 2020/2021 cohort outside Parliament
About the programme
Tupu Tai is an interagency government initiative that offers you the opportunity to explore career pathways, build confidence as a Pasifika professional, and see what it’s like working for government.
As a Tupu Tai intern, you will also share diverse Pacific perspectives on important policy issues that affect all New Zealanders.
The programme supports MBIE’s commitment to improving Pacific economic outcomes by building more sustainable job opportunities for Pacific peoples.
Who we are looking for
This programme is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as alumni of up to two years.
To apply, you:
- have completed at least one year’s equivalent of full-time study (two semesters)
- have a minimum B grade average
- are of Pacific descent and allowed to work and live in New Zealand
- must include a cover letter about:
- Your motivation for joining the Tupu Tai policy summer internship programme
- Why policy and a career in the public sector appeals to you as a profession
- How you would like to contribute to the improved wellness of our Pasifika communities
- must be available to complete the internship full-time from 16 November 2020 to 29 January 2021.
Graduates and Tupu Tai alumni can re-apply up to two years after their graduation from their studies.
Selection stages
The selection process helps to identify key skills and qualities that will enable you to be successful on the programme and in policy internship roles. There are six stages:
- Apply online
- Situational judgement questionnaire
- Video interview based on competencies
- Written assessment
- Video interview with two assessors including a case study discussion
- Two reference checks
You will receive full and clear instructions before each stage of the selection process. If you have more questions, email tuputai@mbie.govt.nz
Our partner agencies
The Tupu Tai Pasifika Public Sector internship programme includes a growing number of government agencies. In 2019/2020 the following agencies participated, offering 41 internships:
- Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment
- Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities(external link)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade(external link)
- Ministry for Women(external link)
- Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children(external link)
- Stats NZ(external link)
- The Treasury(external link)
- Ministry for Primary Industries(external link)
- Department of Conservation(external link)
- Department of Internal Affairs(external link)
- Ministry of Education(external link)
- Ministry of Defence(external link)
- Ministry of Pacific Peoples(external link)
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Development(external link)
- Ministry for the Environment(external link)
- Ministry of Culture and Heritage(external link)
- Commerce Commission(external link)
- NZ Police(external link)
- Ministry of Social Development(external link)
- State Services Commission(external link)
- Tertiary Education Commission(external link)
More information
Training and skills development with Tupu Tai
If you have more questions, email tuputai@mbie.govt.nz