Kick-start your career with us!
Are you a recent or soon-to-be HR graduate who wants to make a real impact? Join WM New Zealand’s 2027 Graduate Programme and be part of something bigger - shaping a more sustainable Aotearoa through innovation, teamwork, and meaningful mahi.
About Us | Mō mātou
WM New Zealand is Aotearoa’s leading materials recovery, recycling, and waste management provider, with over 1600 team members across 70 locations. Each year, we collect over 1,000,000 tonnes of waste and recycle well over 200,000 tonnes. We are the largest composter in New Zealand, the largest waste-to-energy provider, and have the largest commercial electric fleet in New Zealand, all powered by electricity from waste. As a team, we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to redirect, neutralise and use waste.
Why choose WM New Zealand? | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou
Secure your future – You’ll step into a permanent role right from day one. No need to reapply at the end of the programme.
- Make a real impact – Contribute to Aotearoa’s circular economy by working with New Zealand’s leader in waste, recycling, and sustainability.
- Grow with us – With strong support from our leaders, access to EMA Training, In-House Training and mentorship you’ll gain professional skills that set you up for long-term success.
- Earn while you learn – Gain hands-on experience on real-world projects while developing your technical and professional skill set.
- Mentorship that matters – Be supported by experienced leaders and connect with a network of past grads and business mentors.
- Our values guide everything we do – Together, Safety, Sustainability, Innovation and Service.
About the Programme | Te Whiwhinga mahi
Our two-year graduate programme begins in February 2027.
As our People & Culture Graduate, you’ll gain broad, hands-on experience across the key areas of our P&C function. Over the two-year programme, you’ll rotate through Talent, Human Resources and Payroll, giving you exposure to the full employee lifecycle, from attracting and onboarding new talent, through to supporting our people and understanding the systems and processes that help keep our business moving.
No two days are the same — you’ll take part in:
- Real-world projects that contribute to our sustainability goals
- Leadership and communication development through EMA e-learning modules.
- In-depth induction week including site tours and executive team sessions.
- Cross-functional learning and collaboration with experts and peers.
- Personalised mentorship from senior leaders.
And the best part? At the end of your two-year journey, you’ll transition into a permanent role with WM New Zealand.
QualificationsWho we’re looking for
We're after motivated, curious, and solution-focused grads who are passionate about sustainability, innovation, and creating real change.
You’ll be a great fit if you:
- Have a strong interest in the waste and sustainability sector.
- Are proactive and resilient and love a challenge.
- Think outside the box and enjoy solving problems.
- Build strong relationships and enjoy working in a team.
- Want to grow your career with purpose.
Eligibility Criteria
- You’re in your final year of study or have recently graduated.
- You’re a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Can commit to a start date of February 2027
Ready to kick-start your career and make a difference?
Me Tono Ināianei – Apply Now!”
Skills Required
- Strong interest in waste and sustainability sector
- Recent HR graduate or final year of study
- Eligibility as New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
What We Do
WM New Zealand is New Zealand's leading resource recovery, recycling and waste, and environmental services provider, driven by our focus on safety, sustainability, and service and underpinned by innovation. We provide recycling and resource recovery services, solid waste management, liquid and hazardous waste collection, treatment and disposal. We design and operate state-of-the-art waste management and recycling facilities nationwide, including leading edge sustainable modern landfill and energy parks, material recovery facilities, transfer stations and liquid, hazardous and medical waste processing facilities. We understand that our biggest asset is our people and we’re committed to their safety and wellbeing. We’re a company where every day our people get to make a difference – whether this be through exploring recycling opportunities, looking at new ways to create energy from waste, or delivering a great customer service to building facilities that will last a lifetime. We work with a diverse range of customers, from residential homes and small businesses, councils, through to large multinational commercial and industrial clients that span almost every industry in New Zealand, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive range of services that can be tailored to meet the needs of our customers. Our focus is on the future, the possibilities it holds, and ultimately the protection of it.
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