Regional Partner, Extension Services

Ko wai mātou - About OSPRI

OSPRI is the livestock sector's integrated disease management and traceability agency and a critical part of New Zealand's agribusiness and food economy. OSPRI currently manages three major national programmes: TBfree (directed at the eradication of bovine tuberculosis), MBfree (directed at attaining freedom from M.bovis) and NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing System).  

At OSPRI, our values guide everything we do. We're purpose led in our vision, powered by people who are passionate and exceptional at what they do, and stronger together through partnerships and collaboration. Most importantly, we deliver by thinking ahead, adapting and preparing for tomorrows challenges and opportunities to ensure we deliver real results. On farms, in communities, and across the country.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role:

We're looking for a part-time Regional Partner to join our team in Hawke's Bay in a fixed-term role through to October 2026, working 20 hours per week.

In this role, you'll be instrumental in driving the success of our programmes of work. You'll build strong regional relationships and provide valuable information, raise awareness, and educate farmers, industry groups, and the wider community about OSPRI's NAIT programme, while also supporting our M. bovis and TBfree programmes.

You will represent OSPRI at public forums, industry and committee meetings. Through these interactions, you will have the platform to highlight the numerous benefits of OSPRI's existing and future programmes, projects, and initiatives. You'll also organise farmer and rural professional meetings, building strong relationships and trust across the community.

A key part of this role is helping farmers understand and meet their NAIT obligations. That means being confident in your knowledge, clear in your communication, and grounded in your approach. We're looking for someone who can hold their own, while remaining approachable, respectful, and genuinely invested in the success of our farming communities.

Kōrero mōu - About you:

We're looking for someone who brings energy, clear communication, and a solid understanding of the primary sector, extension, farm management, disease management, and traceability. In this role, process management will be front and centre, so you'll need to be customer-centric, self-motivated, and comfortable communicating with confidence.

Strong analytical and investigative skills are important, along with the ability to stay resilient and composed under pressure. You'll need to be someone who can stand firm when needed, while still being approachable and collaborative.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who builds genuine relationships with farmers and earns trust through every interaction.

In addition, the successful candidate will have:

• Preferably a tertiary qualification and/or equivalent relevant experience in the agriculture, science, food, or communications industry.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• A demonstrated networking and relationship management skills.

• A strong track record of building trusted working relationships with external stakeholders.

In return we offer:

• A supportive and energetic team

• Interesting and exciting work

• OSPRI days – paid days of leave between Christmas and New Year

• Flexible working options

• Ability to purchase additional annual leave

• Volunteer Day

• Wellbeing Leave

Me pēhea te tono - How to apply:

Please apply and include your CV and cover letter by 4 pm on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

Please note:Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory and this role requires a Ministry of Justice criminal history check and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

OSPRI supports a workplace of diversity, equity, and inclusion where our people feel welcomed, valued, and supported to do their best work. If you need specific support or accessibility adjustments to enable you to take part in this application process, please don't hesitate to contact us.