Kaupapa Whakapōtae Z Graduate Programme 2026
Z has a clear purpose: Powering better journeys, today and tomorrow. As one of New Zealand’s largest transport energy companies, we have a commitment to delivering safe, secure, and reliable transport energy – with the opportunity to deliver new journeys, with new energy solutions in a changing world.
We are proud to be the Kiwi contingent in the Ampol Group, an independent Trans-Tasman energy company, with trading offices across the globe, which are united behind our shared purpose. While many of the challenges and opportunities we face go beyond national boundaries, together we have the scale, influence, and capability to deliver for our customers, communities, and our people.
Job Description
Here at Z we are passionate about powering better journeys, today and tomorrow. We know that the Z of 2030 and beyond needs to look vastly different to today and we are committed to building careers to ensure we have the best people with us on this journey.
Starting your career at Z will provide exposure to a complex and commercial business that operates in a changing environment - what an opportunity to be part of the energy industry during this time!
Being a graduate at Z will see you supported within a cohort of early in career Z’ers, you will rotate across various business units over the two-year program gaining broad exposure and a diverse skill set. You will be paired up with a buddy, have access to a Mentor as well as enjoy time with our Senior Leaders.
Our Graduate Programme is designed to be a generalist programme, giving you a range of experiences and learning opportunities. Spending time in a range of areas such as Marketing and Brand, Customer Analytics, one of our Retail sites, Pricing, Supply, visiting a Terminal, learning about our Low Carbon Future as well as People & Culture, Legal and more!
The exposure you will get at Z is broad, well rounded, challenging and is a great place to start your career. If you are looking for a graduate role in 2026, set your career up for success and join our mahi at Z.
Qualifications
What you’ll bring to Z
Z is a diverse place, so we don’t want graduates from just one discipline. We are keen to find a great combination of academic knowledge and personal qualities.
Strong academic results, you might not have your full transcript so just share what you have so far
A solutions focused mindset and the drive to take on a range of opportunities
Great communication skills to work with a range of stakeholders, build professional relationships and embrace diversity of thought
Experience in a workplace, this might be through internships, part-time roles or other employment before, during or after your studies
Additional Information
What we can offer you
A competitive remuneration package including short-term incentive plan, medical insurance for you and your family, enhanced employer contribution for KiwiSaver
Not sure if you want to travel or start your career? At Z we support you to do both! As a Graduate at Z you can take up to six months unpaid leave to travel the world and come back to your career
Incredible access to our Leaders. Spend time with and build your own capability through learning from some of the best. Our Executive Team and our wider Senior Leadership Group are committed to our graduates and share their time and knowledge with you
Wellbeing is important at Z and we support this through enhanced sick leave, free flu vaccinations and access to mental health support
The balance of hybrid working, enjoy some of your week at home and some in our welcoming office space
Access to Z’s Benefits & Recognition platform providing you access to retail discounts and cashbacks at over 150+ retailers in Aotearoa New Zealand that assist with everyday living expenses
The opportunity to contribute and be part of a supportive team that is here to make a difference
Z is committed to your learning and development. You will be exposed to a range of experiences and ways of learning during the Graduate rotations and will have plenty of upskilling opportunities and career development right across the organisation
Two days a year to do Good in your Hood, though our volunteering scheme, a chance for you to help others in your community in a meaningful way to you
At our roots we are a Kiwi company and being part of the Ampol Group gives us global reach providing potential opportunity beyond Aotearoa New Zealand
The base salary for Z graduates is $68,900 per annum, plus 10% Short Term Incentive, a 5% KiwiSaver employer contribution and health insurance through Southern Cross.
Why Z?
Z has always been a proud Kiwi company. We’re aspirational for our future, confident of our role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s success and deeply loyal to our customers, communities and people.
At Z we focus on achieving extraordinary outcomes by setting the appropriate context, rather than by telling our people what to do. By doing this, high performing and talented people deliver better results and are more personally fulfilled.
We care deeply for our people while pushing them to achieve their best as individuals and collectively as an organisation. Our flexible working approach and Rainbow Tick and Gender Tick accreditations - backed by our strong company values, Tū Kaha Stand Up, Tū Maia Speak Out, Tū Kotahi Side by Side - have created an open and inclusive workplace that promotes personal development and is underpinned by a desire for our people and our communities to succeed.
One of the things we stand for at Z is Diversity & Inclusion. It is our belief that having a diverse workforce make it possible for our people to truly be themselves and deliver on our aspirations for Z.
We’re distinctive in our approach and if you’re up for a challenge, we’d love you to be part of it. If Z sounds like a place you believe you can add value and grow your own capability, then make sure you read Our Why. This is our founding document and provides further insights in what it means to part of the Z whānau.
If Z feels like a good match for your head and your heart, come join us for one heck of a journey!
Whakauru Apply
Apply with your CV, cover letter and academic transcript. In your cover letter please choose one of our values and tell us how it resonates with you.
Following the close date of Monday 30th of June 2025 we will review applications and be in touch early July with the outcome.
For our successful candidates, we will invite you to have an initial conversation and then complete psychometric testing.
From there, in August we will bring a group to our Z Head Office in Wellington for an interview and assessment day before making you an offer to join us in February 2026!
To be considered for this position you need to be a recent graduate (within the last 2 years at the time of application) or a student in your final year of study in 2025. You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.
