Rangatahi explore careers with Gisborne council programme

Year 11 to 13 students went to Gisborne District Council to look at the many possible career options as part of the council's A Day in the Life programme.

• Gisborne District Council’s Day in the Life programme introduced rangatahi to diverse local government roles.
• Students shadowed staff in departments like health, compliance, and event production, gaining hands-on experience.
• The initiative aims to inspire students by showcasing career pathways and the meaningful mahi at Council.

Gisborne District Council has welcomed rangatahi for a behind-the-scenes look at local government through its Day in the Life programme.

Year 11–13 students shadowed council staff across a range of departments – from health and safety and monitoring and compliance to theatres and Kiwa Pools.

Council senior recruitment adviser Renee Ngarimu said the programme was about more than just career exploration.

“It was designed to inspire students by showcasing the diverse career pathways available within council and the meaningful mahi that supports the community every day,” she said.

“We wanted to give students a real sense of what it’s like to work here – not just the tasks, but the values and teamwork that underpin everything we do.

“It was incredible to see their curiosity grow throughout the day.

“They asked thoughtful questions, got stuck into hands-on activities and left with a clearer picture of how their interests could align with future roles at council.”

Students explored roles in environmental compliance, health and wellbeing, lifeguarding and event production at the Smokefreerockquest.

Each experience was tailored to highlight the skills, challenges and rewards of working in local government.

Maria Jefferson is the Gisborne Boys’ High School assistant principal and career pathways head. She praised the initiative.

“Many of them had no idea just how many different roles exist within council.

“The staff demonstrated true manaakitanga. They were welcoming, knowledgeable and generous with their time and insights.

“Our students left inspired and are now seriously considering how those career pathways could become a reality for them.”

The council plans to run the Day in the Life programme regularly, with future dates to be announced later this year.

“We’re committed to supporting our young people in discovering their potential,” Ngarimu said.