Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together this FAQ page to answer the most common questions from applicants and the general public about the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme. If you have questions that are not covered below, please send them to ecgraduateprogramme@dia.govt.nz and we will reply as soon as possible.

Would I be able to apply on a work visa?

If your work visa is valid for the entire 18-month programme placement, your application will be considered. We will need evidence of the validity of the visa.

Does it matter what my Bachelor qualification is?

The programme welcomes applications from holders of all Bachelor qualifications.

Where are the locations of the jobs available?

The placements will mainly be in Wellington with a few based in Auckland and Christchurch.

How many people will be recruited for each intake?

At this stage, each intake will consist of 15 placements.

Will it be online or onsite work?

The placement will be a 40-hour, full-time, paid work placement based onsite.

Where can we access the application form for the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme?

A link to the online application form can be found on the Office of Ethnic Communities website.

Would the programme lead to permanent employment?

This will be at the discretion of the Host Agency, but we are committed to working with each Host Agency to identify employment opportunities for our graduates after their 18-month placements.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit for applying to the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme.

Can you name the participating agencies?

We are currently still in the negotiation stages with potential Host Agencies. Once this is confirmed, we will make this information available on the Office of Ethnic Communities website.

Will the Host Agencies be involved in recruiting the candidates in any capacity?

Yes. Some Host Agencies will be involved in the recruiting process. You will be notified of this should you get through to the next stage of the selection process.

What kind of support will I have during the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme?

We are currently working on a Learning and Development Plan which will include pastoral care of candidates. We will release this to successful candidates once it is formalised.

Can I work for 3-4 days and travel back home for the remainder of the week?

Flexible working is at the discretion of the Host Agency. Should you be successful, we can facilitate this conversation with the Host Agency.

Will successful candidates be able to choose their mentors?

We will work with the successful candidates to ensure that we get a suitable mentor for them during their time of employment.

Will the deadline be extended?

At this stage, we are not looking to extend the recruitment deadline.

What are the key attributes/skills you are looking for?

To be successful in this programme you will:

• Have skills in problem-solving, communicating, and building and maintaining strong professional relationships;
• be a team worker;
• be action-oriented;
• strive for excellence; and
• demonstrate the functional and technical skills required for the job.

What does the recruitment process involve?

We are still in the process of finalising the recruitment/interview process; however, we will share this information with shortlisted candidates once it is formalised. We anticipate giving the candidates adequate time to ensure that they can prepare for the interview/s.

Will our GPAs be considered?

GPAs are important, but your ambitions, skillset, experiences and commitment to public service will be the key considerations we will be looking for.

Are there other avenues for members of ethnic communities who have been here for years?

There are other Early in Career programmes (Graduate and Internship) available that take graduates from all levels.

Here is a list from the Public Service Commission’s website(external link).

The following websites provide information about Graduate and Internship Programmes across both the public and private sectors:

gradnewzealand.nz(external link)

nxtstep.co.nz(external link)