Paid Internship Opportunities - AKO Pia Pilot Programme
Te Pou Theatre
About our organisation
Te Pou Theatre is a kaupapa Māori performing arts company and venue for all that supports the presentation and development of contemporary and community performing arts locally, nationally and internationally.
The AKO Pia Pilot Programme (paid internship opportunities) is designed to strengthen the Māori performing arts workforce by addressing critical industry gaps. We are nurturing the next generation of cultural and creative leadership by providing practical skills, increasing employability, and offering a supportive path into the arts sector.
Programme Overview
The Opportunity
We are seeking six rangatahi Māori (aged 18–26) to join our whānau for a structured, 15-week paid internship.
Participants will train within a tikanga Māori environment, supported by Te Pou’s kaimahi and expert industry mentors. You will gain first-hand experience through targeted wānanga, work placements, and the delivery of a major festival.
Specialised Training Streams
Applicants will choose one of three paths (2 spaces available per stream):
– Producing: Focus on marketing, project coordination, budgeting, financial literacy, and creative producing.
– Stage & Production Management: Learn logistics, artist care, show management, and venue operations.
– Technical: Get hands-on with lighting, sound design, venue tech, and safety. (Note: Potential for additional internship weeks may be available via external funding)
Programme Structure
The 15-week journey is broken down into four intensive phases:
Phase 1: Induction & Foundational Wānanga (Weeks 1–3)
– Pōwhiri, whakawhanaungatanga, and an introduction to Ngā mahi a rēhia.
– Daily workshops covering the “big picture” of the industry: from Directing and Dramaturgy to Budgeting and Safety.
Phase 2: In-Organisation Internship (Weeks 4–8)
– Embedded within Te Pou operations working on real-world projects.
– Mentorship-based learning with ongoing pastoral care and skill tracking.
Phase 3: Project Delivery & Reflection (Weeks 9–12)
– The Big Event: Hands-on delivery of the Kōanga Festival 2026.
– Closing: Reflective learning sessions followed by a Pō Whakamanawa (graduation).
Phase 4: Industry Placement (Weeks 13–15)
– Three weeks of in-work secondment with Aotearoa-wide or International Indigenous organisations.
How to apply
Applications are now OPEN
You can apply by filling out our form: https://wkf.ms/4rXKcxS
or visit our website tepoutheatre.nz/ako-pia-pilot/
Applications close: Sun 17 May 2026, 11:59pm
Pay: All positions are paid $25 per hour.
Hours: Avg. 24 hours/week (Tues–Fri, 9:30am – 4:00pm). Note: Hours will increase during Koanga Festival delivery.
Eligibility: Rangatahi Māori, aged 18–26.
This is your chance to gain real experience in the Perfroming Arts Sector, apply now to be considered for this awesome opportunity!
