The latest findings from the 2026 New Zealand Association of Graduate Employers (NZAGE) Internship Survey paint a positive picture of internship experiences across Aotearoa, challenging some of the common assumptions about Generation Z entering the workforce.

Despite ongoing public discussion about generational differences in the workplace, interns are overwhelmingly reporting positive experiences with their employers and colleagues.

The survey found that:

• 98% of interns said their expectations of their internship employer were met or exceeded.
• More than 90% reported positive experiences working with colleagues from different generations.
• Less than 1% described cross-generational working relationships as challenging, while a further 9% reported mixed experiences.

This year marked the first time NZAGE asked interns specifically about their experiences working in multigenerational teams, providing new insights into how emerging talent is navigating today’s workplaces.

Five key themes emerged

1. Working across generations feels natural

Most interns described working with colleagues of different ages as straightforward and positive. For many, age differences had little impact on their day-to-day experience.

2. Experienced colleagues play an important mentoring role

Many interns highlighted the value of learning from more experienced team members. They described receiving guidance, practical advice, support, and opportunities to build confidence in the workplace.

3. Different perspectives strengthen learning

Respondents said multigenerational teams created richer learning environments by bringing together diverse experiences, viewpoints, and ways of working.

4. Inclusion matters more than age

Many interns said they felt welcomed, listened to, and treated as valued members of their teams regardless of seniority or experience.

5. Challenges were generally minor

Where challenges were mentioned, they tended to relate to communication styles, confidence, workplace expectations, or adjusting to professional environments rather than age itself.

Supporting broader workforce trends

The findings align with wider employer research, which continues to show organisations placing increasing importance on soft skills while identifying workplace etiquette and professional readiness as areas for ongoing development among early career talent.

Taken together, the results suggest that while employers remain focused on preparing graduates for the workplace, interns themselves are reporting positive experiences working across generations and benefiting from the knowledge and experience of their colleagues.

A positive story for employers

NZAGE Board Member Naomi Houston says the findings provide an important perspective on the conversation around Gen Z in the workplace.

“Interns are reporting positive experiences, and many describe learning, support, and knowledge sharing as key benefits of working with different generations.”

About the survey

The 2026 NZAGE Intern Survey is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse internship survey to date. Conducted by the New Zealand Association of Graduate Employers (NZAGE), the survey captured responses from 669 interns across 44 organisations.

The survey provides valuable insights into intern experiences, attraction trends, programme outcomes, and pathways into graduate employment across Aotearoa New Zealand.