Regeneration Through Education

1 Year Internship (offered in 3-month stages).

Applications must be in by January 31st 2026 for start of Internship April 2026 

Are you passionate about growing nutrient-dense food, saving seeds, and creating regenerative systems?

The Kōanga Nursery & Forest Garden Internship offers a rare chance to live, learn, and work at the heart of New Zealand’s longest-standing regenerative education centre. This is the last year we’re offering this opportunity at no cost, and we’re looking for 1–2 committed people to join us in 2025.

The internship runs for up to 1 year, but is structured in 3-month blocks, allowing time to reflect, check in, and renew the commitment if it’s a good fit for both sides. Shorter 3-month internships may also be considered.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll be immersed in hands-on learning in a real working nursery and forest garden, gaining skills in:

Nursery & Forest Garden:

  • Heritage fruit tree propagation and grafting
  • Seed collection, tree health & forest garden management including Syntropic principles
  • Regenerative practices for long-term fertility
  • Forest garden design, planting & maintenance
  • Working independently after training
  • Nursery systems and seasonal rhythms

Food Production & Seed Saving
(shared learning outside of the Nursery and Forest Garden):

  • Regenerative soil development
  • Composting & nutrient-dense gardening
  • Seed harvesting, cleaning & saving

What You’ll Receive

  • Daily experiential learning in a functioning nursery and forest garden
  • A private cabin onsite for immersive living (with shared kitchen and ablutions)
  • Access to Kōanga online courses relevant to your learning focus
  • The Forest Garden Masterclass (if you are here when it runs)
  • 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.

What We Ask in Return

  • Commitment to a 3-month block minimum, ideally extending to 1 year
  • 6 hours/day, 5 days/week working in the nursery and forest garden
  • Participation in shared meals, cooking, and cleaning
  • A values-based agreement reflecting care, initiative and mutual respect
  • Willingness to follow seasonal rhythms and work both independently and collaboratively

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

Why Now?

This is the final year we’re offering these internships for free. Starting in 2026, we move to a paid model. If you’re serious about living regeneratively this is your chance to step into it, with full support and no financial barrier.

How to Apply

Click here to apply

We’re looking for people with heart and commitment, with just 1–2 places available. If you think this is you, we would love to hear from you.