We're looking for 3rd and 4th year Engineering students who are ready to gain hands-on experience across Fonterra's operations network in Aotearoa New Zealand.
From Northland to Southland, Fonterra's operations span the length of Aotearoa New Zealand. As part of your application, we'll ask you to indicate which regions you'd be willing to relocate to for the duration of your internship.
Where we are across Aotearoa
- Northland Region (Kauri, Maungaturoto)
- Auckland Region (Fanshawe St, AKL CBD)
- Waikato Region (Hautapu, Morrinsville,Te Awamutu,Tirau,Te Rapa, Waharoa, Waitoa, Lichfield)
- Bay of Plenty Region (Edgecumbe, Reporoa)
- Taranaki Region (Whareroa, Eltham, Kapuni)
- Manawatū Region (Longburn, Pahiatua)
- Canterbury Region (Darfield, Clandeboye,Studholme)
- Otago Region (Stirling)
- Southland Region (Edendale)
While we'll do our best to consider your preferences, internship opportunities are dependent on project availability, meaning not all locations listed above will necessarily host an intern during this intake.
He kupu mō mātou | About us
We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today and help future generations thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.
Across our manufacturing sites, offices and communities, our people work together to create products enjoyed by millions every day. From improving processes and optimising performance to advancing sustainability and innovation, our engineers play a critical role in helping shape the future of our Co-operative.
Mō tēnei tūranga | About the opportunity
Our summer internship programme runs for 12 weeks over the summer period from mid-November through to mid-February, with a break over Christmas. You'll work alongside experienced engineers on meaningful projects that contribute to real business outcomes while gaining practical industry experience.
Depending on your project, you could have opportunities to:
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives
- Support plant reliability and operational performance
- Assist with sustainability and energy-efficiency projects
- Work on automation, technology and continuous improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve real engineering challenges
- With your future at the forefront, this internship will provide valuable insight into what it's like to work as an Engineer at Fonterra.
Mōu | About you
You'll be in your third or fourth year of a Bachelor of Engineering degree at a New Zealand university and be excited about applying your learning in a real-world manufacturing environment.
We're particularly interested in students studying:
- Chemical & Process Engineering / Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
We may also consider students from related engineering disciplines.
Beyond your studies, we're looking for curious, collaborative and motivated people who are eager to learn and contribute. You may have developed these qualities through study, work, sport, volunteering, cultural groups, church, whānau commitments or community involvement. Wherever your experience comes from, we're interested in how you've challenged yourself, worked with others and contributed to something bigger than yourself.
Other skills and attributes we're looking for include:
- A passion for problem-solving and continuous learning
- The ability to adapt to change and navigate ambiguity
- Confidence exploring emerging technologies and innovative ways of working
- Strong teamwork and relationship-building skills
- Initiative demonstrated through study, work, leadership or extra-curricular activities
He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve because we believe different perspectives drive better decisions, stronger innovation and better outcomes.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, cultures and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from wāhine, Māori, Pasifika and others who are underrepresented in engineering.
If you require any support or accommodations throughout the recruitment process, please contact earlycareers@fonterra.com. We're committed to ensuring everyone can participate fully and be at their best.
Tātou, tātou.
Applications close midnight Sunday 26 July 2026.
