GovTech Talent Graduate Programme 2026 at Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

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 contribute 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, 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

• 20-month pathway into digital, data, and technology roles across the public service
• Two 10-month rotations in different agencies
• Projects that impact communities nationwide
• Exposure to different leadership styles, operating environments, and challenges

This rotational experience develops your agility, collaboration, adaptability and perspective, setting you up for a strong long-term career in public service.

Who thrives in this Programme?

Graduates who share three traits:

• Curiosity: You dig deep to understand how things work
• Resilience: You stay focused through complexity
• 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.

All you need to apply is an official or unofficial transcript and an up-to-date CV. Be sure to include any work, community, or volunteer experience you've had. It doesn't need to feel “relevant” to count. We're interested in the full picture of what you've done and the value you bring, so don't undersell your experience.

We're building a public service that reflects the communities it serves, because better decisions come from a wider range of perspectives. 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.

If you need support at any stage of the recruitment process, including access requirements, let us know. We'll work with you to make sure you can put your best foot forward.

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
• Access to a group Southern Cross Health Insurance scheme
• Annual well-being allowance available to employees with at least 6 months continuous service.
• Flexible working arrangements available

We're hosting two virtual Q and A sessions (on 16^th and 23^rd 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@gdda.govt.nz 

For more information, please visit: GovTechTalent Graduate Programme | NZ Digital government