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Careers

Graduate Programme

Kickstart your career

Are you passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand? Apply for our leading graduate programme and gain the experience and connections that will set you up for a meaningful career.

A graduate programme like no other

The Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa Graduate Programme is a paid, two-year opportunity designed to equip you with the skills, connections and confidence to step into a career where you can make a real difference. You don’t need a qualification in sport or recreation – we're looking for future leaders from all disciplines.

What you can expect

Year 1

Start the programme at Sport NZ's head office in Wellington. You'll gain exposure to various teams and projects across the organisation, including an introduction to High Performance Sport NZ. Together with a dedicated advisor/manager, you'll create a personalised work plan and the opportunity to tailor your experience to match your interests and career goals.

Year 2

Undertake two placements with leading organisations across the sector to deepen your expertise in areas that interest you. You’ll stay connected to Sport NZ through ongoing support from your advisor/manager, executive mentor and attending events.

You will gain

Mentorship and development

Build leadership skills with guidance from a dedicated advisor or manager, alongside support from a member of the Group Executive Team.

Variety and impact

Work across a range of meaningful projects that challenge you, grow your experience and showcase your strengths.

Networking and exposure

Build valuable connections with sector leaders, peers and potential future employers.

Sector insights

Develop a deeper understanding of the play, active recreation and sport sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Learn more about life at Sport NZ

Who we are looking for

We are seeking enthusiastic and driven graduates with:

  • Leadership potential and a desire to grow in the sector.

  • An interest in play, active recreation and/or sport. You do not have to have a sport-related qualification to apply.

  • Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse groups.

  • Initiative and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments.

Sound like you? Follow us on social and we'll let you know when applications are opening.

NEW ZEALAND ATHLETES SHOW THAT GREATNESS COMES FROM HARD WORK, TEAMWORK, AND COURAGE. FROM THE RUGBY FIELD TO THE OCEAN, KIWI SPORT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER, CREATES PRIDE, AND INSPIRES EVERY GENERATION TO KEEP PUSHING FORWARD AND CHASING THEIR DREAMS.

  • Sports teach us the value of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Every game brings new challenges, every loss offers a lesson, and every victory reflects hard work. The real reward is becoming stronger, better, and more determined. How about this??

    After submitting your online application, the top 20 candidates will be invited to a 15-minute screening interview. Those who progress will then attend a one-hour in-person interview. Finalists will be asked to deliver a 15-minute presentation to a panel, followed by interview questions. The entire process takes approximately 6 weeks. Reaching any stage is a significant achievement and reflects the strength of your application.

  • New Zealand sports are built on passion, teamwork, and resilience. From rugby fields to cricket grounds and sailing waters, Kiwi athletes compete with pride, determination, and a strong spirit of sportsmanship that inspires communities. Is this good?

    Your covering letter should touch on your leadership potential, explaining what leadership means to you and how you’ve demonstrated it in your experiences. Be yourself and showcase your unique strengths. Tell us what you hope to gain from this opportunity, and why you're the best fit.

  • From the All Blacks to the Silver Ferns, New Zealand athletes show that success comes from teamwork, courage, and dedication. Sport brings Kiwis together, celebrates national pride, and inspires the next generation to dream big. Is this long enough??

    No, we welcome international applicants. However, we prefer candidates with knowledge of or experience in New Zealand’s play, active recreation, and sport sector. This could include studying, participating, or volunteering.

  • NEW ZEALAND SPORTS SHOW THE POWER OF TEAMWORK, PASSION, AND RESILIENCE. FROM RUGBY TO CRICKET AND SAILING, KIWI ATHLETES COMPETE WITH HEART, PRIDE, AND DETERMINATION, INSPIRING COMMUNITIES TO DREAM BIG AND AIM HIGH. IS THIS LONG ENOUGH FOR 250 CHARS?

    The graduate programme is specifically designed to develop future leaders in the broader play, active recreation, and sport sector. It is primarily focused on community settings rather than elite sports performance. Therefore, this programme may not align with your career aspirations.

  • NEW ZEALAND ATHLETES SHOW THAT GREATNESS COMES FROM HARD WORK, TEAMWORK, AND COURAGE. FROM THE RUGBY FIELD TO THE OCEAN, KIWI SPORT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER, CREATES PRIDE, AND INSPIRES EVERY GENERATION TO KEEP PUSHING FORWARD AND CHASING THEIR DREAMS.

    Yes, you can still apply. Please attach your most recent academic transcript to confirm completion of your studies.

  • I completed my studies five years ago. Can I still apply?

    Yes, you can still apply. We welcome graduate applicants who are new to the sector – even if you’ve worked in other industries before. However, if you already have more than two years of experience specifically in sport and/or recreation, this programme probably isn’t the right fit for you.

  • What happens after the programme?

    Near the end of the programme, we’ll contact our networks to let them know a talented graduate with great experience will soon be available. We’ll do our best to help you find a role, but it’s up to you to actively pursue your next opportunity.