TUA announces a 2026 Data Science & Urban Analytics Summer Internship

The Urban Advisory have announced an exciting opportunity for January 2026. Funded by a Callaghan Grant, a 10-12 week internship is available for a motivated data science or software engineering student to contribute to an exciting R&D project.

Below are the details of the position available:

About The Urban Advisory (TUA)

The Urban Advisory (TUA) is a dynamic urban strategy consultancy established in 2016, dedicated to creating healthier and more equitable communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. We operate at the intersection of research, policy, design, and delivery, and are currently pivoting to be more technology-focused. Our R&D efforts include advancing mixed-tenure housing models, developing culturally responsive frameworks for Māori and Pacific housing, and innovating precinct-scale urban regeneration strategies. We are building an interactive dashboard platform to inform decision-making about housing across public and private sector clients. This internship is funded by a Callaghan Grant.

Internship Overview

This 10-12 week (400 hours @ $30/hr) summer internship offers a unique opportunity for a motivated data science or software engineering student to contribute to an exciting R&D project. The intern will play a crucial role in developing a prototype interactive dashboard that maps nationwide housing demand over time. This platform will integrate data from TUA's New Zealand Housing Survey with other key housing datasets to generate actionable insights for councils and developers, supporting evidence-based decision-making related to housing strategy, spatial planning, and infrastructure investment.

The internship is based is TUA's Auckland office off Symonds Street.

‍Key Responsibilities‍

Working alongside our Managing Director’s and other team members, the intern will:

Data Acquisition and Preparation

• Access, review, clean, and preprocess diverse datasets from sources such as the New Zealand Housing Survey, Stats NZ (Census, housing statistics), CoreLogic (property values, sales), REINZ (rental trends), and Council housing data.
• Identify and implement modes of automation to draw in and code data.
• Develop scripts (in Python/R or similar) to merge disparate datasets and ensure data consistency.

Dashboard Design and Development

• Contribute to the design and development of the interactive dashboard prototype, including selecting suitable platforms.
• Design and implement key visualisations (charts, graphs, maps) to effectively convey housing demand findings, including housing satisfaction, affordability strain, housing aspirations, and barriers to homeownership.
• Develop interactive features such as filters, drill-downs, and geographic mapping.

Testing, Refinement, and Documentation

• Participate in functional and performance testing of the dashboard prototype.
• Refine the dashboard based on user feedback from potential end-users.
• Document the dashboard architecture, data sources, integration methodology, and user guide.
  

Skills and Experience

• Currently enrolled in a Data Science, Software Engineering, or a similar degree program.
• Post-graduate level preferred but undergraduate considered based on skill-level.
• Strong understanding of data analysis and statistical interpretation.
• Proficiency in programming languages (R or Python preferred).
• Experience or strong interest in data visualization and dashboard development.
• Familiarity with UI/UX design principles is a plus.
• Creative and critical thinking, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  

Learning Outcomes & Benefits for the Intern

• Gain real-world experience in urban analytics.
• Develop advanced skills in data integration and dashboard development.
• Contribute to a portfolio-ready product with tangible policy impact.
• Be mentored by leading researchers with doctoral expertise in housing and urban development.
• Enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills within a professional R&D environment.
• Contribute to innovative housing strategy in Aotearoa, supporting TUA's pivot towards a more technology-focused approach.
  

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and interest in this specific project to info@theurbanadvisory.com. Applicants via LinkedIn will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout October. The successful applicant will be notified in the first week of November. The internship will commence in January 2026.