"We are able to get essential seasonal work carried out efficiently by people who have fresh eyes and knowledge.
The students are overseen by talented industry leaders and experts in their field, such as scientists and engineers."
"We are able to grow this talent and expose them to our culture and field of work, which in turn, provides us with a talent pool of potential graduates."
The council currently had 13 people on its staff who were previously part of the summer student programme which has been running since 1992.
"The students we employ over the summer are able to gain very valuable experience in their chosen field. The students also get to experience their chosen field and understand work industry etiquette that is often not taught in tertiary institutes."
Figures show in 2014/15 summer the Regional Council hired 38 students compared to 41 students in 2015/16.
Consents manager Reuben Fraser says he worked two summers as a student for what was Environment BOP back in those days.
"The first summer I did a project looking at how to best measure the risk from coastal hazards, to see whether it was increasing or not, and the second summer I mapped surface water, seeps and springs in the Lake Rotorua catchment.
He joined the council in 2005 and loves his job.
"I get to work on some really interesting issues, with some fantastic dedicated people who are passionate about sustainable development like I am. As an added bonus, I met my wonderful wife."
Tauranga City Council HR business partner services manager Megan Davies says it did not have a formal summer intern programme in place but they offered summer intern positions, as well as some graduate programmes and work experience opportunities.
"We are reviewing our opportunities for students and building relationships with tertiary providers. We're currently looking at informal applications from students looking for work experience for this coming summer and thinking about where they might fit within Council."
"Student placements provide an opportunity for us to demonstrate the wide variety of career options available within councils," she says. "Students bring fresh thinking and different perspectives.
The roles are often short-term and can enable delivery of a specific project or area of work that is mutually beneficial for TCC, the community and the student/s involved."
"It also provides mentoring opportunities for our staff to share their expertise."
Bay of Plenty Regional Council has 30 positions advertised.
Applications for the new summer intern positions close on September 25.
Visit www.boprc.govt.nz