Title:  Graduate Programme

Shape the Future of Aotearoa — Start Your Career with KiwiRail 

Position Description

He kōrero mō mātou | About us: 

At KiwiRail, we’re helping shape a stronger, more sustainable Aotearoa. Our rail network connects communities and supports businesses across the motu — safely, efficiently, and with purpose. We’re a tight-knit team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and delivering real value to New Zealanders every day. 

Our Graduate Programme is your chance to be part of that mission. It’s more than just a job — it’s a pathway to becoming a leader in an industry that keeps New Zealand moving. 

He whakamārama mō te tūranga mahi | About the role: 

Our two-year Graduate Programme offers you the chance to kickstart your career with real-world experience in one of New Zealand’s most essential industries. You will be placed in a business area aligned with your qualification and interests, where you will contribute to meaningful projects and gain exposure to large-scale operations, infrastructure, safety, and technology. 

Whether you are working in Engineering, ICT, Operations, or Health and Safety, you will build strong networks, be supported by a buddy and mentor, and receive structured development to help you grow. You will play a valued role in shaping the future of rail — from day one. 

Current graduate opportunities for 2026 include: 

1x ICT Auckland (AI Engineering, Machine Learning, Software Development) 

1x Safety Health and Wellbeing - Interislander Wellington (H&S, Media, Business/Commerce 

1x Safety Health and Wellbeing – Operations Christchurch (H&S, Media, Business/Commerce 

1x Safety Health and Wellbeing – Customer and Growth Christchurch (H&S, Media, Business/Commerce 

1 x Freight Operations – Operations/ Logistics /Supply Chain Auckland 

1 x Interislander – Operations Wellington (Business/ Commerce) 

Ngā pukenga e rapu nei mātou | What you will bring: 

We’re looking for early-career professionals and recent graduates who are curious, collaborative, and ready to make a difference. 

To be successful, you’ll bring: 

• A degree in Engineering — ideally with a focus in operations, logistics, supply chain, or a related discipline 
• 0–2 years of relevant professional experience 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• A proactive and open-minded approach to problem-solving 
• New Zealand citizenship or residency (this is essential) 

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you: 

When you join KiwiRail, you’re joining a programme that sets you up for long-term success. Here’s what you can expect: 

• A permanent position with a structured 2-year rotational programme 
• Competitive starting salary with six-monthly reviews 
• Five weeks of annual leave, plus a range of employee benefits 
• A comprehensive induction and national site visits 
• Mentoring from senior leaders and support from a dedicated buddy 
• Opportunities to grow your career in a future-focused industry 

Kua rite, kia rite | Ready to make a difference? 

If you’re motivated to shape the future of rail in Aotearoa, we want to hear from you. 

Apply online through the KiwiRail Careers site with: 

• CV 
• A brief cover letter outlining your motivation and skills 
• Your academic transcript (an unofficial version is fine) 

Applications close 25 August 2025 - unless filled sooner. 

For more details about our Graduate Programme and what to expect, visit our Graduate Programme page. 

Please Note, all successful candidates must undergo and pass a pre-employment medical and drug screen. Due to the nature of this role, we require successful candidates to hold a NZ residence or citizenship