Ngā āhuatanga o te tūranga – Role Highlights:
- Applications are now open for our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme, running from 16 November 2026 – 5 February 2027.
- Opportunity to gain valuable work experience in local government.
- A 12 week paid programme with opportunities to contribute to our projects and help Toi Moana deliver our community outcomes.
Te Tūranga – The Role:
Our Rivers and Drainage Assets Team is working on protecting our flood protection and drainage assets from damage and misuse, and we need your help!
This summer role offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in asset management, Bylaws compliance, GIS, and infrastructure protection within a dynamic local government environment.
Working with the Rivers and Drainage Assets team, you’ll help protect and maintain the region’s flood protection and land drainage networks. You’ll gain exposure to a variety of activities, from assessing applications and undertaking site inspections to supporting compliance initiatives and improving business processes.
Key aspects of this role include:
- Assisting with the assessment of Bylaw Authority applications to help protect critical flood protection and drainage assets.
- Undertaking site inspections to verify compliance with bylaw requirements and support enforcement activities where necessary.
- Working with spatial and asset information to support decision-making and infrastructure management.
- Supporting education and engagement initiatives that help landowners, contractors, and stakeholders understand and comply with bylaw requirements.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement of processes, procedures, and information management systems.
- Providing support across the wider Rivers and Drainage Assets team on a range of asset management and engineering projects.
You’ll be joining the Rivers and Drainage Assets team. We’re responsible for managing the infrastructure assets associated with Council’s flood protection and water control schemes to ensure all schemes function and provide agreed levels of service to the communities we serve.
Ngā Pūkenga, ngā wheako – Your Skills & Experience:
To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:
- An interest in river and drainage engineering and a desire to learn how critical infrastructure is managed and protected.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to write clearly, understand technical information, and confidently interact with a range of people.
- A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work and excellent customer service.
- A positive, team-focused attitude and a willingness to step in and help wherever needed.
- Current study, or plans to commence study, towards a qualification in Engineering, Environmental Science, GIS, Geography, Planning, or a related field.
- A current driver’s licence and the ability to travel to sites across the region.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, working both in the field and the office, and wants to gain valuable experience that will support a future career in engineering, environmental management, GIS, asset management, or local government.
This position will be located in Whakatāne.
Ko wai mātau? He aha te kaupapa nei? – About Us & Our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme:
At Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) we guide and support the sustainable development of the Bay of Plenty, now and into the future. A major focus of our work involves looking after the environment, but we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of our regional community.
Our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme has been running for more than 35 years because we believe one of the best ways to learn is on the job. Each year our Summer Assistants play an important role by supporting our teams and completing important pieces of work around the Bay of Plenty. There is no better place to contribute to your community and the environment you live in, while working alongside passionate and professional experts in their fields
He aha tā Toi Moana? – What’s on Offer?
- An incredible Summer Experience Programme with full induction and on the job support and mentoring to get you started.
- Support and mentoring on the job.
- Diverse working environment and friendly team atmosphere.
Next Steps:
To apply for this role, click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top right of your screen and complete the application form.
Please note that if this is the first time you are applying for any role at BOPRC, you will first need to create a profile and register on our recruitment website. Once registered, you can then log in to apply for the specific role/s you are interested in.
- Applications will be automatically acknowledged, via email upon receipt.
- Applications will be screened and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps – this may include a phone screen prior to interview.
- Interviews will be held over the phone or via MS teams/ Zoom from Tuesday 15 September 2026 onwards.
- All candidates will be notified once the position is filled.
- Successful candidates will attend an Induction Day on the first day of the Programme so that you can meet your fellow 2026/27 Summer Assistants and find out more about working at BOPRC.
If you have any queries or require any further information on what the position involves, please contact Kasjan Paciuszkiewicz – Assets Engineer (Bylaws) via email Kasjan.Paciuszkiewicz@boprc.govt.nz or call 0800 884 880.
To access a copy of Te Tūranga Mahi (Job Description) please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/559hk4h3
NB: To apply for this job, you must have the legal right to be able to work in New Zealand. As this position is designated as being “safety sensitive”, the successful candidate will be asked to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol check as part of the recruitment.
Applications close 12pm, Monday 14 September 2026 and will be accepted online only.
