How many graduate positions, if any, were there in the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, between November 2024 and November 2025?

Answer

KiwiRail has a graduate programme with placements in rolling stock engineering, infrastructure engineering, commercial freight and other roles to grow young talent for the rail sector. This is in addition to apprenticeship programmes which develop skills in network and mechanical operations. The total number of graduate positions hired in 2024 was 18 and in 2025 nine. As the graduate programmes are typically two years long, the combined number represent the answer to your question. For you interest, there are 14 graduates due to be employed at KiwiRail this year. Ferry Holdings does not have a graduate programme.