New Zealand China Council internship


This opportunity is for a New Zealand undergraduate student or recent graduate majoring in international relations, business, communications or media to gain valuable industry experience through an internship programme. The successful applicant will support the work of the New Zealand China Council by contributing to research, public events and social media initiatives under the Council’s strategic plan.

The New Zealand China Council is a New Zealand-led, New Zealand-funded organisation that acts as a cross-sector body for the relationship between the two countries. 

The Council was established in 2012 as part of the New Zealand Government’s NZ Inc Strategy for China. 

The Council’s unique value proposition derives from its role in bringing together a high-level influential group of key players in the NZ-China relationship and in leveraging their influence and networks in support of deeper, stronger and more resilient links between the two countries.. 

Applications have closed for the 2023 round

About the internship

Students can choose between their internship running from either:

  • 3 November to 23 December, 2023.
  • 15 January to 08 March, 2024.

The internship is full time (40 hours per week).

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to : 

  • complete research and implement projects in specific Council workstreams according to area of study and interest;
  • assist with the Council's public facing initiatives including events and online activities;
  • contribute to the Council's social media platforms and monitor social media trends;
  • assist the Council to build stronger engagement with Te Ao Māori (confidence in Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori would be useful).

The intern will work from New Zealand Council's office in Auckland. 

Management of the programme

The Asia New Zealand Foundation and the New Zealand China Council will jointly deliver pastoral care and support professional development in cultural competency.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • be New Zealand citizens or have New Zealand permanent resident status.
  • in good health
  • due to complete at least two years of tertiary study by November 2023 in business/trade, political studies, law or a related humanities subject
  • be adaptable, mature, reliable and resilient
  • be interested in pursuing a career involving China and the wider Asian region.

Ideal candidates will have a pre-existing interest in Asia and will aspire to develop their capacity for working in cross-cultural environments. Strong writing skills are mandatory for this internship. Knowledge of Chinese language, while useful, is not a prerequisite.

What's covered?

This is a paid internship based in Auckland.

Expenses such as accommodation, flights to and from Auckland for those living outside of the region and access to a laptop are not covered.

Terms and conditions  and reporting requirements

Applicants should be willing to:

  • write a final three-page report evaluating the internship experience
  • participate in Foundation professional development activities and networking events after they return.

Successful applicants will be required to agree to the standard Terms and Conditions for Asia New Zealand Foundation funding recipients.

Reporting requirements

Foundation interns are expected to provide two reports (web article and final report) on their experience, and to seek opportunities to share their experience on their return to New Zealand, and to remain engaged with the Asia New Zealand Foundation. Sharing your experience with others is an important part of this initiative as it enlightens others about developments in Asia. 

Interns are expected to write a 600-word article (with accompanying photos) on their internship that will appear on the Foundation’s website (to be submitted during the internship) and write a final three-page report evaluating the internship experience at the end of the programme.

How to apply

Applications have closed for the 2023 round

Key dates

  • Applications close 15 August 2023 (closed)
  • Shortlisted applicants will be notified by early September
  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an in-person or online panel interview to select the successful candidate
  • The successful candidate will be advised by the end of September
  • All selected interns will be supported to attend a group induction day in Auckland in late November 2023
  • Interns can choose to undertake their internships between either 3 November and 23 December 2023 or 15 January and 08 March 2024.

Questions?

If you have a question about the internships, please email the Foundation’s project officer (interniships) Joyce Bonde. jbonde@asianz.org.nz.