What can I expect from the programme?
Our Graduate Programme will give you an experience like no other, working within our AI & Automation team. AI and automation are changing how customers, colleagues and businesses experience banking. You will help explore, build and support smart solutions that improve the way we work, while learning how innovation, technology, risk, ethics and customer outcomes come together.
Our current programme is based in Auckland and will run for approximately 10-12 months. You’ll start with us as a permanent employee in February 2027 on an immersive orientation which will help grow your understanding of Westpac NZ along with the wider grad cohort. At the end of your programme, you’ll be supported to find a suitable role that matches your capabilities and interests within your business area.
Throughout the programme:
AI & Automation champions, leaders and mentors will support you during the programme experience. The programme is structured to help you identify your focus areas, while tailored training sessions build and strengthen your technical and soft skills, accelerating your personal and professional career development. Expect to give back by joining communities, volunteering and sustainability initiatives, rounding out your whole work life experience.
The day to day:
As an AI & Automation Graduate, you’ll gain exposure to the tools, processes and people helping Westpac use AI and automation in practical, responsible and customer-focused ways. Depending on business needs and your interests, your pathway may include:
AI / Machine Learning - develop models and intelligent solutions that help solve real business and customer problems.
AI Ethicist - support the responsible use of AI by helping assess risks, ensure fairness and transparency, and guide teams on ethical decision-making in the design and use of AI solutions.
Automation Specialist - improve efficiency through process automation and AI, helping teams simplify work, reduce manual effort and improve outcomes.
You may also:
Learn how AI and automation can improve customer, colleague and operational experiences
Support analysis, testing and problem solving across AI, automation and digital improvement initiatives
Work with teams across technology, operations, risk, compliance, data and product
Contribute to responsible innovation by considering fairness, transparency, privacy and customer outcomes
Build confidence working in a regulated banking environment where trust, safety and good decision-making matter
Ōu Pūkenga | About You
To be eligible, you must be in your final year of study or have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree within the past 12 months. Our Graduate opportunities are entry level roles giving those on the programme broad exposure across the relevant business unit. Additionally, applicants must be New Zealand or Australian citizens or permanent residents.
We’re looking for graduates who are curious, practical and motivated to learn. You do not need to be an AI or automation expert already. What matters is that you bring a customer mindset, strong attention to detail, a willingness to work with others to solve problems and have:
Interest in AI, automation, data, technology, customer experience or business improvement
Strong communication skills and the confidence to ask questions
Good attention to detail and an organised approach to work
Comfort working with information, processes and systems
A collaborative style and willingness to learn from different teams
A growth mindset and enthusiasm for building your career at Westpac NZ
Ko mātou tēnei | Our Organisation
At Westpac, we’re working together to build a fairer and stronger New Zealand for our people, customers, and communities. For over 160 years we’ve been driven by our purpose to Create Better Futures Together.
What makes us unique are the incredible people we’re lucky enough to have walk through our doors every day. The giant ‘W’ on our building doesn’t just stand for Westpac – it says, double you. We’re a place that values, rewards and recognises individuality. Where you can be your whole self, your true self, and your best self. We’re recognised as a place where talent is developed, where passions are fuelled and where ambitions of all shapes and sizes thrive. And it all starts with you!
Tono mai ināianei! | Apply Now!
Apply today with your CV and Cover Letter.
The people of Aotearoa, New Zealand hail from many cultures and backgrounds. At Westpac New Zealand, we draw on this enormous talent pool to cultivate a team rich in ability and empowered to reach its full potential. Our aim is to be brave challengers, celebrating our differences and relentlessly advocating for our customers. It starts with us – we believe that when we care deeply and do our best for our people, they’ll do their best for our customers. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including those who are neurodiverse, have chronic health conditions or disabilities – your attitude and passion are as important to us as your experience, qualifications and capabilities.
Mahi tahi tātou, kaha ake tātou | Together Greater
Applications close:
5 August 2026Skills Required
- Final year of study or completed undergraduate/postgraduate degree within the past 12 months
- New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Interest in AI, automation, data, technology, customer experience or business improvement
- Strong communication skills and confidence to ask questions
- Good attention to detail and an organised approach to work
- Comfort working with information, processes and systems
- Collaborative style and willingness to learn from different teams
- Growth mindset and enthusiasm for building a career at Westpac NZ
Westpac Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Westpac and has not been reviewed or approved by Westpac.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Extensive paid and unpaid leave options span wellbeing leave, Culture/Lifestyle/Wellbeing days, purchased leave up to 12 weeks, career breaks, and various specialized leaves. This breadth supports work-life balance and accommodates a wide range of personal circumstances.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental provisions include 16 weeks full pay (or 32 at half pay) for primary carers, four weeks for support carers, and continued superannuation during unpaid parental leave. Additional supports cover domestic and family violence leave, Family Pathways leave, and grandparental leave.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing resources include counselling and coaching services, workplace mental health training, free nutrition advice, and health insurance access with pre‑existing conditions covered if joined promptly. Financial and lifestyle perks include banking discounts for employees and families and the myDiscounts program.
Westpac Insights
What We Do
Westpac is Australia’s oldest bank and company, one of four major banking organisations in Australia and one of the largest banks in New Zealand. We provide a broad range of banking and financial services in these markets, including consumer, business and institutional banking and wealth management services. We also have offices in key financial centres around the world including London, New York, Hong Kong and Singapore. Westpac Group's portfolio of financial services brands and businesses is focused on our vision, which is "To be one of the world’s great service companies, helping our customers, communities and people to prosper and grow.”
