Primary Tutor and Mentor is Bob Corker
Regeneration Through Education
12 Month Internship beginning in April each year with 8 weeks off during this time.
Applications must be in by January 31st 2026 for start of Internship April 2026
Koanga Internships exist to equip you with the knowledge and experience to be able to design and create your own regenerative ‘local’ food production and living systems, and enhancing local ecosystems without you having to pay for tuition, experience, or accommodation other than doing the mahi!
Are you passionate about designing and working in regenerative food production systems, local ecosystems, or becoming a teacher or designer in any of these fields ?
The Kōanga Design Internship offers a rare chance to live, learn, and work at the heart of New Zealand’s longest-standing regenerative education centre, and be Tutored by Bob Corker and the team.
The internship runs for 12 months, but is structured with an initial 3 month period after which we will reflect, check in, and renew the commitment if it’s a good fit for both sides. You will have a 8 week holiday during this 12month period at a time that works for both parties.
There is a possibility that Koanga could employ the person after this Internship if the fit feels right
What You’ll Learn
Regenerative land use design on small or large scale
Eg forest gardens, reaforestation, regenerative food production systems, land use design for small blocks or land based communities, design for water management and erosion control and much more depending on your skills and interests
What You’ll Receive
Daily experiential learning in functioning native nursery and designing and planting riparian areas,
Individual mentoring from Bob mostly but also Kay and Sean in their fields of expertise
2 hours a day for research and individual learning, some of which will be mentored
A private cabin onsite for immersive living (with shared kitchen and ablutions)
Access to Kōanga online courses relevant to your learning focus
Support with a self-directed project
This is a fully immersive experience: learning, living and growing with the Kōanga team in a holistic regenerative living environment.
Attendance at both the gardening Masterclass and the Forest Garden Masterclass
What you get out will largely be dependent on what you put in. The potential is huge
What We Ask in Return
Commitment to 12 month period beginning with a 3 month trial at which point we will sit down and reassess things to see if we need to make any changes and with 8 week break at an agreed time
4 hours/day minimum up to 6 if you are super charged, 5 days/week working in the areas you choose to learn in
Participation in shared meals, cooking, and cleaning
Weekly seed packing with the team
A values-based agreement reflecting care, initiative and mutual respect
Willingness to follow seasonal rhythms and work both independently and collaboratively
The time is now.. You will get out of this what you put into it. We are looking for the ones that absolutely wish to go for it!!
How to Apply
We’re looking for people with heart and commitment. Just 1 place available. If you think that you may be the person that we are looking for, please click the apply button above.
Applications must be in by January 31st 2026 for start of Internship April 2026
What Past Interns Say
“It’s so inspiring to be part of it — I’m incredibly grateful to be in the Seed Internship and have the opportunity to learn and grow with some seriously talented individuals.”
— Sophiemarie Bethell
“Little did I know I would be getting so much more. From nutrition to alternative tech, seed saving and animal care — I’ll be leaving well-equipped and grateful.”
— Alistair McKay