Circular economy internships

Student internships 2024

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Circular economy student internship image - reject linear thinking - help design the circular economy

Reject linear thinking. Help design the circular economy

We’re looking for smart student interns who are passionate about waste reduction and circular economy principles.

There are a total of four positions available in the Waikato region, with the following territorial authorities:

Hamilton City Council
South Waikato District Council
Waikato District Council
Waipā District Council.

These year-long, paid opportunities start in February 2025.

Applications

Your commitment

All positions run from February 2025 to February 2026, working 10 hours a week during term time and up to 30 hours a week during term breaks and over the summer holidays.

Eligibility

Open to all New Zealand citizen tertiary students studying in the Waikato region in 2025.

Expressions of interest

Email your interest to cei@waikatoregion.govt.nz

Applications must be made directly with your district or city council of choice. Links to their application portals will be provided on this page as soon as they are available.

The window for formal applications will be opening soon.

Applications open on Tuesday 17 September 2024 and close at 5pm on Tuesday 8 October 2024.

What's on offer

What you get

Paid to design, create and deliver your own circular economy project
Develop and showcase skills employers value
Use knowledge from your field of study
Learn from a supportive mentor and get a grounding in local government
Be inspired by local businesses and sustainability champions
Benefit from fieldtrips and meeting other interns
Be part of an intern team and have diverse learning opportunities

What we get

To support the new generation of sustainability change-makers (that could be you!)
New circular economy projects in action that benefit our region
Fresh ideas and perspectives to help shape future work
Good news stories to inspire others

To be successful, you’ll need to be:

enthusiastic about the circular economy
organised and good at managing projects.

Learn more about circular economy

Circular economy, or ōhanga āmiomio, is a concept that has been gaining recognition and popularity in countries around the world, including Aotearoa New Zealand. It refers to an economic system that eliminates waste and ensures materials and products are kept in use.

Find out more:
- Waikato Regional Council technical report: The journey to a circular economy in the Waikato region
- from the leaders in the international thought and research, the Ellen McArthur Foundation.
We want to go beyond reducing waste – we want to design it out!

It’s essential for our future resource security, carbon reduction and for preventing waste from ending up in landfill. Central and local government are making changes now to move New Zealand in this direction.

Check out how the Government is investing to improve our resource use and kick start a circular economy. It’s in an exciting and growing field for research and innovation. And, for you, it means there will be plenty of amazing opportunities to bring new systems and ideas to life.

This opportunity is supported by Waikato Regional Council and delivered in partnership with Hamilton City Council, South Waikato District Council, Waikato District Council and Waipā District Council.

Image - circular economy internship partner council logos