Human Resources Graduates - Emerging Professionals Programme

• Grad Programme at NZTA | Waka Kotahi
• Permanent Human Resources role based in Pōneke | Wellington starting February 2027
• Starting salary $69,606 Join our Te Reanga Pito Mata | Emerging Professionals Programme and launch your career with a pathway designed to challenge, grow, and inspire you. From day one, you’ll rotate across teams, gaining broad experience and meaningful opportunities to contribute to improving the transport network and systems that keep our country moving. Be part of our customer promise – a land transport system that connects people, products, and places for a thriving Aotearoa.Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity – Human Resources Our Pūmanawa Tāngata, the People and Safety Group, plays a critical role in enabling NZTA | Waka Kotahi to deliver for New Zealanders. We support our people, leaders, and teams to create a safe, inclusive, and high performing organisation where everyone can do their best work.You will rotate across different areas of the People and Safety Group, gaining hands-on experience in functions which could include people operations, health and safety, wellbeing, organisational capability, and culture. You will develop practical skills, build strong professional networks, and gain insight into how people centred practices support outcomes in a large and complex public sector organisation.To view a copy of the position description, clickhttps://htnzta.govt.nz/assets/careers/position-descriptions/Pumanawa-Tangata-The-People-Group-/2026/Emerging-Professional-PD.pdf?[here](https://nzta.govt.nz/assets/careers/position-descriptions/Pumanawa-Tangata-The-People-Group-/2026/Emerging-Professional-PD.pdf?)[.](https://nzta.govt.nz/assets/careers/position-descriptions/Pumanawa-Tangata-The-People-Group-/2026/Emerging-Professional-PD.pdf?)

Ko koe tēnei | About you

• You are working towards, or already hold, a bachelor's degree or higher in Human Resources, with a strong interest in data analytics and AI. You will also:

• Have graduated within the past two years, obtaining your highest qualification by February 2027

• Hold a minimum B grade average in your completed or current degree

• Have knowledge of, or a willingness to develop an understanding of, te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance within the public sector Diversity helps us innovate, grow, and deliver for all communities. We value knowledge of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti, and Tikanga Māori, and we are committed to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into everything we do.He aha ngā huanga mōku | What are the benefits for you? Joining the Te Reanga Pito Mata | Emerging Professionals Programme is more than the first step in your career — it’s becoming part of a whānau | family committed to your learning, growth, and wellbeing. 
  Here’s what you can look forward to:

• A 2-year development journey with a minimum of three work rotations shaped around the stream you will be going into. You’ll be embedded in teams within NZTA | Waka Kotahi, with the Programme as your home base - providing guidance, development opportunities, and support throughout your experience.

• A strong support network that helps you build meaningful connections and unlock your full potential.

• A comprehensive wellbeing package, including five weeks’ annual leave and a range of other great benefits designed to help you feel confident to develop your best mahi. Ko wai mātou | About usAt NZTA | Waka Kotahi, everything begins with our people. Our success depends on those who choose to make this a great place to work and contribute to a better future for Aotearoa. We are future-focused, recognising that new technologies and changing customer expectations mean the transport system of today won’t be the one we deliver in ten years’ time.If this sounds like the opportunity for you, submit your CV along with your cover letter detailing your suitability. Rā Katinga | Applications close: 14 June 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.