Our internship programme plays an important role in developing emerging talent in the data intelligence space, particularly in areas where Māori capacity and capability remain limited.
The programme offers interns valuable hands‑on experience working within the public sector, with a strong focus on ethical data analysis, data sovereignty, and robust governance practices.
We’ve partnered with Victoria University of Wellington since 2016 to provide internship opportunities in the data space. Over this time, 17 students have been hosted across the organisation, contributing to meaningful work that supports system-level improvement.
Holly Masters and Tāne Heke
We’ve had two students join us for six weeks this this summer. Holly Masters, who is in her final year of a Bachelor of Science majoring in Data Science, is assessing how the Health System Quality Dashboard reflects Māori quality and safety issues. Her work contributes to strengthening Māori visibility within system performance measures, ensuring dashboards convey equity insights that matter to whānau and communities.
Tāne Heke, currently entering his second year of a Bachelor of Science majoring in Data Science with a minor in Psychological Science, is developing a dashboard on Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants (SUDI). Using real‑world data and a Māori‑centred approach, Tāne’s project supports improved understanding of risk, trends, and opportunities for prevention.
The internship builds on earlier initiatives within the Health Quality and Intelligence team in collaborations with Māori health teams, including a joint graduate analyst role designed to grow Māori capability in data intelligence. This year, the programme is a shared effort between the Health Quality & Intelligence and Māori Health and Consumer teams. This cross‑team approach provides the interns with a rich, practical learning environment while ensuring their contributions are informed by both technical and kaupapa‑driven perspectives.
Looking to the future, the Commission is considering how an ongoing development pipeline could further support interns beyond their placement and into employment. By investing in rangatahi at the early stages of their academic pathway, the Commission aims to help build a stronger, more sustainable Māori workforce in data intelligence, supporting long‑term capability that will benefit the wider health system.
In their own words
Holly Masters
Iwi / Connections: Ngāti Pikiao, Te Arawa, Ngāti Makino
What inspires me in this mahi
Working on the report has given me opportunities to reflect on the state of Māori health in Aotearoa and has helped me acknowledge the disparities in health outcomes across the country. This work matters to me as I have already seen discrepancies in the health outcomes between my pakeha grandmother and my Māori grandmother. Being able to assist in improvements in any way is something I will always be proud of.
What has stood out for me so far during the internship
I have learnt so much from this internship about Māori data governance and sovereignty and how the Commission functions as a Crown agent.
How I see rangatahi leading in the data future
Young people need more advocation and education surrounding Māori data as a taonga.
In the future
I wish to continue working in areas where I can make an impact.
Tāne Heke
Iwi / Connections: Ngāpuhi
What inspires me in this mahi
This mahi matters to me because every infant deserves to live.
What has stood out for me so far during the internship
I have learnt the basics of a new programming language and have a lot of insights into SUDI data.
How I see rangatahi leading in the data future
A reflection on next generation shaping the future of Māori data. Better digital fluency.
Will there be a future where Māori data can be governed? Will the next generation have the wisdom and resources to be able to protect, empower and uplift?
In the future
I hope to continue growing my skills so I can contribute to solutions that reduce inequity gaps and target avoidable tragedies.