Internship Application Letter Dietitian in New Zealand Wellington – Free Word Template Download with AI

Submitted to Wellington District Health Board (WDHB) & Partner Healthcare Providers

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[City, Postal Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

Human Resources Department

Wellington District Health Board (WDHB)

Po Box 7188

Wellington 6140

New Zealand

Date:

[Current Date]

Subject:

Application for Dietitian Internship Position - Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) / Hutt Valley DHB

To the Hiring Committee,

It is with profound enthusiasm and a deep commitment to community health that I submit my application for the Dietitian Internship position within the Wellington healthcare landscape. As an aspiring nutrition professional fully aligned with the values of New Zealand's primary healthcare system, I am eager to contribute to the exceptional work being carried out by Wellington District Health Board (WDHB) and its partner agencies. Having dedicated my academic studies and practical experiences to understanding nutritional science within Aotearoa's unique context, I am confident that my skills align precisely with the needs of Wellington’s diverse communities.

My journey toward becoming a registered Dietitian has been deeply informed by New Zealand’s specific health challenges and cultural framework. During my Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) at Massey University, I immersed myself in studies directly relevant to Wellington's demographic needs—particularly the management of diet-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases prevalent across the Capital Region. Crucially, I have actively engaged with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles throughout my training. My coursework included a specialized module on Māori health models (Te Hauora), where I explored culturally safe dietary interventions aligned with the 4 Pillars of Health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). This understanding is not theoretical for me; it was applied during a community project at Puke Ariki’s Food Hub in Wellington City, where I collaborated with kaumātua to develop kai-based nutrition programs respecting local mātauranga Māori.

My practical experience reinforces my readiness for this Internship Application Letter role. As a volunteer dietetic intern at the Hutt Valley DHB's community nutrition service in Lower Hutt, I supported clinicians in managing high-risk populations—providing culturally responsive meal planning for Pacific families and developing accessible resources for elderly patients with limited mobility. This experience exposed me to the intricate realities of New Zealand's public health system, including navigating Ministry of Health guidelines and working within the scope defined by the New Zealand Dietitians Association (NZDA). I assisted in creating a nutrition education toolkit specifically designed for Wellington’s diverse immigrant communities, addressing language barriers and food insecurity issues observed in our local food bank partnerships. Additionally, through my work at The Wellington Farmers Market (as a nutritional advisor), I gained hands-on insight into supporting sustainable food systems—a critical factor in the health outcomes of urban communities like ours.

What truly sets me apart is my understanding of Dietitian practice within New Zealand Wellington’s specific healthcare ecosystem. I recognize that as a Dietitian Intern, I would be operating within the framework of the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1993 and must adhere to NZDA's Code of Conduct. My familiarity with local initiatives—such as WDHB’s ‘Healthy Wellington’ strategy, which prioritises reducing health inequities through nutrition access in low-income suburbs like Newtown and Petone—has been a guiding force in my professional development. I am particularly inspired by the integration of dietitians into primary care teams at Wellington’s community health centres, where multidisciplinary collaboration is key to addressing complex cases. This model resonates deeply with my belief that effective nutrition support must be holistic, collaborative, and embedded within the broader health network—a vision I aim to contribute to as part of your team.

I am equally committed to contributing to Wellington’s vibrant public health community beyond clinical practice. I have attended monthly meetings of the Wellington Nutrition Network, a local professional group focused on sharing best practices in dietetics across DHBs and non-governmental organizations. Here, I’ve learned about innovative approaches such as the use of ‘kai hauora’ (food for health) initiatives in schools and community centres across our region. My ability to communicate complex nutritional information clearly—developed through presentations at Massey University’s Nutrition Symposium and my volunteer work with Wellington’s Diabetes Support Group—ensures that I can effectively educate patients, families, and fellow healthcare professionals.

As a resident of Wellington for the past two years, I am deeply familiar with the city’s unique culture and health challenges. Living in Johnsonville has given me firsthand insight into urban food access issues and community-led solutions—such as neighbourhood vegetable gardens addressing food deserts. This local perspective allows me to understand not just the data on diet-related health outcomes, but the lived realities that drive them. I am eager to apply this understanding within your clinical environment while learning under the guidance of experienced professionals who embody New Zealand’s standard for Dietitian excellence.

My resume, attached for your review, details my academic achievements, practical experiences in New Zealand Wellington settings, and professional development aligned with NZDA competencies. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to contribute to projects such as the new Wellbeing Strategy for Older Adults (2023-2030) that emphasizes nutritional support as a pillar of healthy aging—a critical focus given Wellington’s growing elderly population.

I am confident that my passion, academic foundation, and practical understanding of Dietitian work within New Zealand's Wellington context position me to make meaningful contributions to your team from day one. I would be honoured to discuss how my skills align with your internship program’s goals in an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my application as part of the next generation of Dietitians serving our communities. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the health and wellbeing of Wellington residents under the guidance of WDHB's esteemed professionals.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Student/Professional ID if applicable]