- Lead New Zealand’s animal health and welfare regulatory system
- Influence policy, science, and operational delivery nationwide
- Engage Ministers, sector leaders and advisory bodies
Lead national animal health and welfare strategy, regulation and sector engagement across government, industry and advisory systems.
About MPI | Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has a vision to see New Zealand become the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and primary products.
MPI works across the food and fibre system to protect our environment, grow the value of our primary industries, and support rural communities. This includes safeguarding animal welfare standards and ensuring New Zealand maintains a trusted, science-based regulatory framework.
About the Role | Kōrero mō te Tūranga
The Director, Animal Health and Welfare provides strategic leadership across one of MPI’s most visible and complex regulatory systems.
Operating at the centre of government, science, and the primary sector, the role leads regulatory and operational settings that support the health and welfare of animals across New Zealand’s farming, companion animal, and production systems. The role requires strong technical credibility in animal health and welfare and the ability to engage confidently with veterinary professionals, scientists and sector leaders.
You will oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for regulatory frameworks, sector engagement, and technical advice, while maintaining strong relationships with advisory bodies such as the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), industry organisations, and Ministers’ offices.
This role requires confident leadership in an environment where science, public expectations, political scrutiny and sector realities intersect.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading MPI’s animal health and welfare regulatory settings
- Providing expert advice to senior leaders and Ministers on complex issues
- Engaging with sector organisations, industry bodies and advisory groups
- Strengthening alignment across MPI’s animal welfare system
- Leading a high-performing team of science and operational specialists
- Ensuring New Zealand’s animal welfare frameworks remain credible, evidence-based and trusted
About You | Mōu
You are a senior leader comfortable navigating complexity, competing perspectives, and high levels of public interest.
You bring sound judgement, credibility with stakeholders, and the ability to translate complex scientific or regulatory issues into clear, defensible decisions.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong understanding of animal health and welfare systems required
- Experience working within regulatory, policy, or science-based environments
- Credibility engaging with veterinary professionals, scientists and industry stakeholders
- Strong stakeholder engagement capability across government, sector organisations and advisory bodies
- Experience advising senior leaders or Ministers on complex or sensitive issues
- The ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver outcomes through influence
- A veterinary science qualification would be advantageous
Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru
Higher level Security Clearance
- most preferably a New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years, OR
- is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.
- click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.
Ready to Make a Difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
IN SIDE Recruitment are assisting MPI with the recruitment of this role. If you are interested, please apply now and include your cover letter and CV.
For a confidential discussion please contact Jeremy McLeod at IN SIDE Recruitment on jeremy@inside.co.nz.
Applications close Tuesday 14th April
Note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory. This role requires a Ministry of Justice criminal history check and the ability to obtain security clearance.
