Policy Intern – Health at The Treasury, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the Role 

We are looking for a policy intern to join the Health sector team which sits within the Treasury’s Public Sector Performance division. The Treasury provides advice across the full health system, bringing together policy, economics, public finance and performance perspectives to support government decision-making. 

The exact nature of the role will depend on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. Work could include: 

• contributing to Budget 2027 advice,  
• analysing emerging health policy issues,  
• coordinating Official Information Act responses,  
• supporting drafting briefings to Ministers,  
• undertaking research and data analysis, and  
• working with agencies across the health system including the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand and ACC.  

You will work alongside experienced Treasury analysts and managers, receive coaching and feedback, and gain exposure to how major government policy and funding decisions are made. 

Ideally you would be able to work full-time, but there is flexibility for the role to be part-time (at least initially) for the right person. The start date is also flexible and can be discussed with shortlisted candidates during the interview process.  

Ō pūmanawa | About You 

We are seeking recent or soon to be graduates from a wide range of academic, cultural and social backgrounds and experiences. Diversity in experience is a real strength; working at the Treasury is not all number-crunching and rigidly applying accounting standards (although that might be the highlight for some). At the heart of it, our work is about lifting living standards for all New Zealanders.  

We are looking for social and savvy individuals who are intellectually curious and quick learners. You need to be good at working constructively with others, have a can-do attitude and be okay working with ambiguity.  

To be eligible to apply, you must: 

• Have the right to work in New Zealand (e.g., NZ citizen/resident or hold an appropriate work visa) 
• Be able to work from the Wellington office  
• Have a minimum B+ grade average in your most recent studies  
• Have completed your studies or will be finished by early 2027.  

We will not be considering applications from individuals who do not meet the above requirements.  

The role will be a fixed term position, with the length to be negotiated with the successful candidate. A successful internship may lead to an ongoing graduate position with the Treasury, providing an opportunity to build a long-term career in public policy and public finance. We will be prioritising candidates who aren’t just looking for a short term summer job.  

Tono mai ināianei | Apply Now 

Candidates should submit: 

• Your CV (no more than two pages) 
• A one page cover letter outlining (1) why you would be a great fit for the role and (2) what interests you most about working in the Health team at the Treasury 
• Your academic transcript.  

For more information please contact talent@treasury.govt.nz 

Rā kati | Applications close: 11.55pm Sunday 11 October 2026.  All applications must be made online.  We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date.