Where’s The Work? Not at Councils

Dan Moskovitz (he/him)

For graduates seeking a foothold in local government, the outlook is grim. Neither Wellington City Council nor Greater Wellington Regional Council has offered graduate roles since 2023, casting a longer shadow over an already bleak job market. 

Data obtained under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act shows that Wellington City Council (WCC) ceased its graduate hiring program in 2023, after previously onboarding two to four graduates annually. When asked, a council spokesperson attributed the halt to shifting priorities within individual business units. 

Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), meanwhile, has never operated a graduate program and declined to comment on why. 

Aidan Donoghue, VUWSA Engagement Vice-President, voiced frustration over the lack of opportunities. Donohue, who leads VUWSA’s “Where’s the Work” campaign, said he plans to press council candidates on the issue during debates ahead of October's local elections. 

The decline in graduate hiring reflects broader economic headwinds facing Wellington’s public sector. Although government agencies were  instructed to trim budgets by 6.5 percent, graduate positions fell by  14 percent in 2024. 

Competition for remaining roles is fierce. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade received 1100 applicants for its early careers programme last year. 

Locally, both councils are still offering fixed-term internships. GWRC advertised six internships in 2024, while WCC offered 15.

“An internship is better than nothing,” Donoghue said, “but a graduate role is better than an internship.We want to see more opportunities for students to get their foot in the door.”