01/10/2026
Kia ora,
Your skills and experience matter. Let’s build on them together!
Finding it difficult to enter the New Zealand workforce? Looking for opportunities to gain local work experience, build professional connections and take the next step in your career?
HOST International Aotearoa New Zealand is excited to launch More Than Jobs: Pathways, Belonging & Careers, a new internship programme supporting people from former refugee and migrant backgrounds to turn their existing skills, qualifications and experience into meaningful career opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
More Than Jobs is about more than finding employment. It is about recognising your strengths, building confidence, creating professional connections and opening doors to sustainable career pathways.
What can you gain from the programme?
Gain New Zealand work experience through a career-aligned, unpaid volunteer internship with a local employer, typically lasting 6 weeks to 3 months.
Build your professional networks through mentoring, workplace connections and networking opportunities.
Strengthen your career prospects with tailored career planning, CV and job application support, and interview preparation.
Navigate the New Zealand workplace with guidance on workplace expectations, employment rights and professional communication.
Build confidence and take the next step with ongoing career coaching and support to help you work towards your employment goals.
The programme recognises the skills and experience you already bring and supports you to apply them in the New Zealand employment environment.
Who can apply?
More Than Jobs is open to eligible people from former refugee and migrant backgrounds who have the right to work in New Zealand and are looking to progress their careers.
The programme is available in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Applications now open!
Take the next step in your career!
Applications for the first round close on Monday 5 October 2026.
Find out more about the programme, eligibility and application process, and submit your application through our website.
https://www.hostinternational.org.nz/more-than-jobs
Help us spread the word!
Do you know someone from a former refugee or migrant background who has skills, qualifications or professional experience but is finding it difficult to enter the New Zealand workforce?
Please share this opportunity with your friends, colleagues, community groups and professional networks. Your referral could help someone gain valuable local work experience, build connections and take an important step towards their career goals.
We look forward to welcoming our first group of More Than Jobs participants!
Ngā mihi nui,
The More Than Jobs Team
HOST International Aotearoa New Zealand