Awhi Lobbying Internship

AWHI lobbying
‍internship

The Awhi Lobbying Internship provides keen young New Zealanders from a range of backgrounds the opportunity to work and learn with Awhi. Our interns—known as Taituarā—will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of politics, media, government relations and communications. This opportunity is open to both individuals and organisations.

Programme strands

There are a range of significant events that happen in New Zealand politics every calendar year. As a result we have chosen to offer three internships annually, based on the timing of these politically significant events. Applicants are encouraged to consider their interest areas and career focus against programme strands and consider the timing of their internship to have a truly tailored experience. The three internship strands are:

January - March

The Waitangi Internship

This strand coincides with significant events such as Waitangi Day. This internship is for those interested in seeing how te ao Māori, Pāremata and Kāwanatanga can intersect.

April - June

The Budget Internship

This strand coincides with the Government Budget. This internship is for those interested in how the country’s finances will be allocated and the impact it will have on New Zealanders.

July - September

The Executive Internship

This strand coincides with the two longest months, when Parliament traditionally sits for the most weeks. This is best for those considering a career in the Executive branch of government.

Programme objectives

As a kaupapa Māori firm, Awhi believes in supporting the ambitions of organisations that work to advance the collective: our mahi is not based on win or lose, rather it is about supporting the way organisations think, act and make decisions. We seek to improve the national consciousness around the art of lobbying in a uniquely Māori way: that is proactive and enthusiastic development of individuals who go on to share their knowledge freely with others, thereby improving intergenerational capability.

For individuals interested in a lobbying career, our programme is a learning and development opportunity. For organisations, our programme is a way to build their internal government relations and strategic communications capability.

What we’re looking for

Awhi is looking for someone with a natural curiosity for politics and a desire to support increased engagement and access to New Zealand’s democratic processes. The successful applicant will be committed to our lobbying principles and the foundations of Awhi. They will have excellent communication skills and show an understanding of public policy, social sciences, media, or economics. Awhi Taituarā have an openness to learning new skills and working in a team to find the best possible outcome for our clients.

In return, Awhi gets the opportunity to help develop young professionals with fresh perspectives. Awhi is committed to improving access to the industry to allow the next generation of lobbyists to shape it to be truly competitive. Our aim is to support a more diverse lobbying industry that better reflects the unique makeup of our society.

Foundations of mātauranga

The mātauranga (knowledge) that is shared with Taituarā while at Awhi is not the mātauranga of the firm; it is the collective wisdom of all those advocates—past and present—who have taught, shared and supported our consultant team in their careers. This mātauranga includes decades of work on flax roots political movements as well as first hand experience on professional campaigns and political initiatives. We give thanks to all those rangatira who have shared their skills with us.

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Frequently
asked
‍Questions.

Frequently
asked
‍Questions.

Awhi is here to help! We have answers to your frequently asked questions (pātai) about government relations, lobbying and engagement below.

Do you have pātai (questions) about the Awhi Lobbying Internship? We have answers to your frequently asked questions about our programme.

Frequently
asked
‍Questions.

Do you have pātai (questions) about the Awhi Lobbying Internship? We have answers to your frequently asked questions about our programme.

What are the position details?

Job title: Taituarā (Intern)
Duration: 10-12 weeks (negotiable)
Hours: 10-14 hours per week (negotiable)
Wage: Living wage ($27.80 at 2024/25)
Location: Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)

How do I apply?

Both individuals and organisations interested in participating can register their interest at any time throughout the year. Interest can be expressed through our website. We aim to acknowledge all programme enquiries within seven working days.

What are the cut-off dates?

To apply for the Budget Internship (April - June 2025) please apply by February 1, 2025.

To apply for the Executive Internship (July - September 2025) please apply by May 1, 2025.

To apply for the Waitangi Internship (January - March 2026), please apply by November 1, 2025.

Why has Awhi launched this program?

Despite a growing need for government relations and communications advisors well versed in political nuance, public relations and the social climate, there are very few ways for young professionals to experience the lobbying industry, learn more about the roles and test their skills in a safe, well-supported environment.

Awhi believes a competitive industry is a thriving industry: we want to help young professionals—especially those in law, communications, journalism, public policy, social sciences or economics—gain real world experience in this rewarding field.

Will I have a Tuakana?

Taituarā are assigned a Tuakana, who will be their primary point of contact for the duration of the programme. The Tuakana is responsible for:

Welcoming interns on their first day
Providing a rundown of operational software
Guiding interns around workflows and task
management
Holding regular check-ins and hui
Being available to answer questions.

Ultimate responsibility for the success of the programme rests with the firm’s Kaiwhakahaere.

Am I eligible?

The Awhi Lobbying Internship is open to all New Zealanders, aged 18 - 30, wanting to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of politics, media, government relations and communications.

Preference will be given to applicants who are:

Working full time for a kaupapa Māori organisation in a communications, policy or marketing role; or
Currently studying full time at a New Zealand based tertiary institution, in law, communications, journalism, public policy, social sciences or economics; or
A recent graduate of any tertiary institution, who is employed in New Zealand in a communications, policy or marketing role, and would like to support their employer by obtaining the skills our programme offers.

Are there any prerequisites?

There are no prerequisite requirements.

What will I learn?

At the conclusion of the internship, all Taituarā will have acquired the following skills:

increased functional understanding of government relations and strategic communications
improved understanding of te ao Māori and how this manifests across the modern political landscape
critical thinking and analysis of complex political situations and the potential impact on clients
the ability to take the initiative to problem solve and collaborate in a team to design and deliver solutions
research and analytic skills of complex matters and the ability to comprehensively summarise
this information for clients and colleagues insight into managing client relationships and delivering to deadlines
an understanding of appropriate client advice and navigation of sensitive topics.

InternshipApplication

Want to register your interest? Both individuals and organisations interested in participating can register their interest at any time throughout the year. We aim to acknowledge all programme applications within seven working days.

Download Job Description

We aim to acknowledge all programme enquiries within seven working days

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