Job title: MPI Graduate

Role type: Full-time, 12-month fixed term February 2027 - January 2028

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: General salary range H, $69,832 per annum

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

At the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), we’re shaping the future of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, and we’re looking for passionate graduates to join us on that journey. Our vision is bold: to be the world’s most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across the Ministry while gaining firsthand insight into the impact of your work across  New Zealand, through two rotations of approximately six months each. The variety of work includes areas like biosecurity, forestry, fisheries, food safety, response, regulation, or policy. Our graduate programme will prepare you with the foundation you need to launch your career at MPI.

Our Graduate Development Programme includes:

• Two, six-month rotations based in Wellington
• Stakeholder site visits and a graduate trip
• Ongoing learning and development sessions
• Mentoring and buddy support
• Support to transition into an ongoing role at MPI

With over 50 sites across New Zealand and 11 overseas, MPI offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact, whether you’re working in an office, at an international airport, on a fishing vessel, or out on a farm. We’re tackling big challenges, from doubling export value by 2034 to helping farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protecting our borders from pests and diseases, and supporting the sector to thrive globally. If you’re ready to apply your skills to meaningful work that matters, MPI is the place to start.

There’s more information here about the programme and career opportunities for graduates.

About You - Mōu

Our staff are key to the success of MPI. Every role is critical to our work, helping to protect the primary industries of New Zealand. We welcome those who bring different experiences, capabilities, and knowledge to our work.

Successful applicants will have a recent tertiary qualification in:

• Science (biological, environmental, marine, ecology)
• Agriculture, forestry
• Policy
• International Relations
• Economics
• Data Science
• Geography
• Or related disciplines

Applicants must have graduated no more than 2 years before the application date, and;

• hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it
• be willing to relocate to Wellington
• have demonstrated interest in the primary industries and/or lived experience
• have curiosity and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• have clear, confident communication skills
• be adaptable, committed and focused on achieving
• have a collaborative working style
• have some work or leadership experience (this could be volunteer work, internships, research experience, or supporting sports teams and community groups).

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

Join one of our information webinars
You can attend one of our information webinars where we’ll share important information about MPI's Graduate Development Programme, what to expect, what we're looking for, and the recruitment process. We look forward to connecting with you!

Monday 27 July 12 – 1 PM

Friday 31 July 10 – 11 AM

Application Process - Tukanga Tono

Indicative dates:

• Applications open: Thursday 23 July – Sunday 9 August
• Pre-screening video interviews: Mid-August
• Written assessment: Late August
• Interviews: Early September
• Offers made: Late September
• Programme begins: February 2027

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

To apply for the MPI Graduate Development Programme you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it. Go to the New Zealand Immigration website to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, your interest, and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

You can use tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Copilot to help tailor your job application, but remember that we want to hear about your personal achievements, leadership qualities and lived experiences. Don’t fill your CV with jargon, share the learnings and successes you’re proud of. These are what we really want to learn about!

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 9 August.

If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected] 

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