GovTechTalent Graduate Programme
Applications open 7 April 2026
If you’d like to be notified as soon as applications open, you can register your interest here:
GovTech Talent Graduate Programme - Expressions of Interest
(We will send a reminder on 7 April so you are among the first to apply)
Start your career where your work makes a difference
Government services improve when skilled people step up and make them better. If you’re curious, resilient, and ready to tackle meaningful challenges, this is your chance to build real capability and make a positive impact for New Zealanders.
You don’t need to be technical to thrive in digital government. We’re looking for graduates from diverse study backgrounds—business analysis, psychology, law, linguistics, cybersecurity, design, software development, and more—who can solve problems, design services, analyse data, deliver systems, and work with people to improve government outcomes.
You might help redesign a public-facing service, analyse data that informs national investment, or deliver a system affecting thousands of New Zealanders. You won’t be on the sidelines—you’ll be shaping solutions that matter.
The GovTech Talent Graduate Programme
1. 20-month pathway into digital, data, and technology roles across the public service
2. Two 10-month rotations in different agencies
3. Projects that impact communities nationwide
4. Exposure to different leadership styles, operating environments, and challenges
This rotational experience builds your judgment, adaptability, and effectiveness, setting you up for a strong long-term career in public service.
Who thrives in this Programme?
Graduates who share three traits:
1. Curiosity: You dig deep to understand how things work
2. Resilience: You stay focused through complexity
3. Dedication: You take pride in delivering work that counts
Even if you’re unsure you fit, apply anyway. Some of our top performers didn’t think they would—but they thrived, bringing unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas that shaped government.
We strongly encourage Māori and Pacific graduates to apply. Your lived experience and connection to whānau, hapū, iwi, and Pacific communities are vital for designing services that work better for everyone.
Rest assured that every application is reviewed by our team, and all hiring decisions are made by people. We use AI solely to transcribe interviews at the video or in person stage.
We’re recruiting for two programme intakes:
3 August 2026
22 March 2027
Indicate your preferred intake, or that you’re open to either, in your application.
Eligibility:
- New Zealand (or AU) citizen or permanent resident
- Live in Wellington (or be willing to relocate)
- Recently graduated or in your final year with:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher within 24 months of start date
- Graduate diploma or postgraduate certificate (Level 7+) within 12 months of start date
Programme Details:
- Starting salary: $67,492 per annum
- 4.6 weeks annual leave
- 15 days sick leave annually
- Discount on Southern Cross Health Insurance
- Annual well-being allowance
- Flexible working arrangements available
We’re hosting two virtual Q and A sessions (on 16th and 23rd April) and you’re invited. You’ll meet the team and hear directly from current and former graduates about the programme, rotations, relocating to Wellington, and what the experience is really like.
To join a session or send a question to the programme team, email govtechtalent@dia.govt.nz
From graduate to change-maker: Danielle’s story
