Summer Internship 2026/27: Enhancing Varroa Management

Please Note: This opportunity is open exclusively to students currently studying at, or have recently completed (within 12 months), a qualification at NZQA Level 6–10 from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

At Comvita we embrace the science of nature to support natural health and wellbeing, and to build global resilience. Our vision and aspiration to leave the world in a better place is captured in our Harmony Plan, and we are proud to be B-Corp accredited.

We believe in the power and wisdom of bees, and the idea of “One Hive”, where belonging makes each of us stronger. Our people are empowered to generate insight and take action on behalf of future generations and in the spirit of Kaitiakitanga. Paengaroa, where it all started, is the home of Comvita and our Market Support Centre. Our Apiaries team is based around New Zealand, and our hive extends to Australia, Greater China, Japan, Korea, South-east Asia, and the USA. We are proud to share our premium, immunity-supporting products with the world, and to help leave it in a better place.

About the Internship

This internship would suit a 2nd- or 3rd-year student in agricultural science, apiculture, biological science, environmental science, or a related discipline.

Comvita runs one of New Zealand’s largest Varroa management programmes across its apiaries. This project undertakes a constructive, cross-branch analysis of current practice, learning from sites, capturing strengths and identifying gaps using international best practice as a reference point. This work will create a measurable roadmap for improved efficiency, prediction, and treatment, to improve hive production and hive retention. Work directly with Comvita’s Apiary teams, learn international best practice, and help strengthen bee welfare.

The internship will be based in Whanganui.

Why choose our Internship?

• We are a living wage employer and our internship pays $29.90 per hour.

• Market leading, premium, global natural health brand founded in New Zealand

• A proud BCorp accredited business

• Excellent onboarding programme to experience different stages of our end-to-end supply chain.

Learn more about our Harmony Plan: https://www.comvita.co.nz/sustainability

Start/Finish Dates

Our internships are for 400 hours of work over your university summer break.

Start/finish dates will be set to fit around your university semester dates, but typically start mid-late November through until the end of February. (NOTE: Our business shuts down for a couple of weeks over Christmas so there will be a break in the middle of your placement over Christmas/ New Year's).

Ready to apply?

If you are looking for an Internship opportunity with a global team who share a passion for health and nature, we would love to hear from you - please apply with your cover letter detailing why you are interested in and suitable for this project as well as your CV.

Note: We kindly ask that you submit a cover letter written in your own words, as we are already quite familiar with the tone and structure of AI-generated letters. After all, we are looking to hire a person, not AI, and getting a sense of who you are really matters to us. Give us something only a real human (like you!) could write.

Comvita’s Commitment to Ethical Employment Practices

Comvita is committed to upholding the rights of young workers and ensuring that child labour has no place in our operations or supply chain. We do not employ individuals under the age of 18 and strictly prohibit anyone under 18 from performing work that may involve hazardous conditions or materials.

We do not tolerate the use of child labour or forced labour in any part of our business or among our suppliers. No child is to be involved in the production of our products or in the provision of materials or services to Comvita.

This commitment reflects our core values and our responsibility to support safe, fair, and ethical working conditions across all aspects of our business.

Comvita is an organisation which is committed to well-being, diversity and equity. We celebrate diversity and nurture belonging within our global team. We welcome diversity of people, ideas, talents and experiences. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us so we can support you through your recruitment journey.