Senior Adviser

Job title: Senior Adviser

Role type: Full Time, Fixed Term through to June 2027

Location: Wellington preferred, but open to Auckland or Christchurch

Salary band & range: GSR Band D $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Play a key role in supporting Aotearoa's trade by ensuring goods move safely and smoothly across our borders. This role blends technical decision-making with customer service, helping ensure imported goods meet our import requirements while supporting smooth import processes.

As part of the Animal and Plant Approvals and Advice team, you'll work closely with customers and colleagues across the biosecurity system to deliver great outcomes for New Zealand.

In this role you will:

• Think critically and problem-solve urgent import issues
• Provide clear, concise advice on potential biosecurity risks to decision-makers
• Partner and work directly with customers to guide them through the import process
• Assess and issue approvals related to plant and animal products
• Continue to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders who support import and export standards.

About You - Mōu

You'll bring a science background and a sharp eye for risk, with the ability to assess complex biosecurity issues. You're confident working independently, investigating technical details, and weighing up multiple viewpoints to make sound, timely decisions.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Confident in assessing environmental risks and technical information
• Skilled at independent research and problem solving
• Comfortable making decisions with limited information
• Experienced in interpreting legislation and regulations
• Organised and confident using digital systems
• Hold a science qualification

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You'll be part of a friendly, close‑knit team of 12 specialists, bringing together expertise in plants and animals. We work side by side with customers and border operations to keep import processes smooth and effective while at the same time ensuring biosecurity risks are well managed.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

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.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click "APPLY FOR THIS JOB" or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm on 23rd November 2025.

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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