Business Banking - Graduate Programme (Feb 2026)

Here at BNZ, it's about more than just banking. We work together in an agile, energising environment to create innovative solutions through our promise "If you can imagine a better future, let's find a way."

We support wellbeing, flexible working and have a generous leave offering. There is the opportunity for growth, learning and career development. No two days are the same.

Ko mātou tēnei | This is Us 

Are you passionate about business and understanding what drives success, business growth and the numbers behind the scenes?

BNZ is committed to being NZ’s Best Bank, in personal and business. Whether it’s Small Business, Large to Medium, or Agribusiness, we have a bold and clear ambition that we want you to be part of!

From day one you'll be immersed in the business lending side of BNZ, learning how we support small NZ businesses through to larger commercial clients.

Mō te Hōtaka | About the Programme

Through a mixture of workshops and on the job training, the programme experience is designed as a foundation to fast track you to a Partner (Relationship Manager) role, where ultimately you will work closely with BNZ customers to help them grow their business and support them in their banking needs.

Throughout the Graduate programme you will be supported via a buddy system and learn the ropes through shadowing portfolios of clients, helping you to develop the skills and capabilities to develop your career at BNZ.

We have opportunities available throughout New Zealand (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown), please let us know if you have a preferred location(s) in your cover letter.

We spoke with some of our Leaders from Partnership Banking, who let us know the following about the roles:

What does a day in the life of a Business Banking Graduate look like?

• No day is the same and this variety is what makes the role so exciting!
• You get exposure to functions right across the Bank, you will be speaking to customers one day and managing risk the next – it is very exciting to see how they intertwine.
• You will go out on customers visits and experience first-hand the aspiration and challenges that businesses go through and how we as bankers can support that.

What training is available?

During the year we provide heaps of training! You will get support from your team, coaching from your people leader, plus a range of workshops (some technical and other more general subjects we know you’ll benefit from – like some behind the scenes about how a bank works, and how to build your financial capability). 

What is the team culture & environment like?

BNZ has an inclusive and supportive culture. Our people are passionate about Banking and supportive of each other, even when we make mistakes (we own it and learn from them).

What should you include in your application?

• A cover letter – to help us to get to know you, your motivation for working at BNZ and why you want to develop your career in Business Banking
• Your interests outside the classroom - this could include sports, the arts, clubs and community involvement or work experience
• A strong academic transcript

What skills or attributes will this person have in order to be successful?

We're looking for diverse talent that is representative of our customers and will help us transform banking to enable a high achieving New Zealand.

We don't mind what you've studied but successful candidates will demonstrate (and articulate in their CV and Cover Letter):

• A genuine passion for business and numbers
• Excellent relationship building skills and the ability to relate well to others
• A customer focused, winning attitude
• Resilience and willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
• Cultural and language capability is highly beneficial, in particular, Te Reo Māori & Mandarin as we continue to grow our Māori & Asian banking portfolios

What are some of the benefits at BNZ?

• Good pay! We'll pay you right from the outset and as your skills grow, we’ll make regular changes to make sure you're paid competitively.
• 6 weeks annual leave!
• Online courses, regular training & career development
• Staff banking & insurance discounts

Please take note of the following important dates: (*subject to change)

Applications close: 31st March 2025

Digital Interviews: from 17th March 2025

Assessment Centre: 8th May 2025*

Role Commences: early February 2026

Nau Mai ki te Pēke o Aotearoa | Come to the Bank of New Zealand

This is an exciting opportunity to join us!  We're bold thinkers who are taking brave steps to create a company that people want to work for, and customers want to bank with. If you're ready to join a fun organisation where we are proud of our culture and how we are helping New Zealander's to 'Find their way', then show your interest by submitting your application - we can't wait to read it. 

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini" - Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.”