Growing the future of NZ forest stewardship
Nateva's highly sought-after intern programme aims to cultivate the next generation of talent for long-term environmental management in New Zealand. The programme, which has also seen five graduates gain employment within the organisation, reflects the diverse career opportunities now available across the sector.
Running for over six years, the programme recruits interns from a wide range of disciplines, including law, commerce, forestry, science, and ecology. The internships are paid, with a competitive salary, as well as travel and equipment costs.
The programme attracts a large number of applicants each year, drawn by Nateva’s work within broader forest ecology and systems, as well as innovative management practices, use of technology and opportunities to learn from sector experts. Interns gain extensive experience in a variety of forest land stewardship projects, applying technical knowledge in practical field settings. The programme also provides insight into a range of professional management activities, which support Nateva’s work in forests around the country.
This year’s intake focused on students currently undertaking forestry studies. Three of the four interns in the 2025/26 programme are women, highlighting the changing nature of the sector and the broader range of opportunities now available in an increasingly diverse industry.
Given Nateva’s long-term approach, focusing on the actively managed regeneration of native forests over many decades, the programme is an important investment in the future. Around 20% of Nateva’s workforce graduated within the last five years, underscoring the importance of building a pipeline of new skills and talent to deal with the critical challenges of environmental management and the battle against climate change.