- Lead MPI’s engagement with farmers, growers and rural communities
- Strengthen resilience across New Zealand’s primary sector
- Shape trusted partnerships between government and industry
Lead MPI’s On Farm Support function, strengthening relationships with farmers, growers and rural communities across New Zealand.
Location : Wellington or from one of MPI’s office locations where the On Farm Support teams are based and will require domestic travel.
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.
About the Role | Kōrero mō te Tūranga
The Director, On Farm Support leads MPI’s engagement with farmers, growers and rural communities across New Zealand.
Operating at the intersection of government and the primary sector, the role focuses on strengthening trusted relationships with farmers, growers, industry groups and rural networks. The function plays an important role in helping the sector navigate environmental, climate and economic pressures, while supporting communities responding to adverse events and change.
You will lead a national team responsible for building strong connections across the sector and ensuring MPI remains a visible and trusted partner for rural communities. This role also leads an innovative and strategic work programme to connect farmers and growers to information, support and opportunities that enable sustainable growth.
This role requires a highly relational leader comfortable representing MPI across the primary sector and engaging confidently with industry leaders, sector organisations and Ministers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading MPI’s engagement with farmers, growers and rural communities particularly to assist with navigating requirements, including climate adaptation, water and the environment
- Strengthening partnerships with industry organisations and regional stakeholders
- Supporting communities responding to adverse events and sector challenges
- Providing insight and advice to senior leaders and Ministers on sector issues
- Building trust and credibility between government and the primary sector
- Leading and developing a high performing, nationally distributed team
About You | Mōu
You are a highly credible and visible leader with strong relationships across the primary sector.
You understand the realities of farming, growing and rural communities and are comfortable engaging with industry leaders, officials and Ministers.
You bring the ability to represent MPI across complex stakeholder environments while maintaining trusted partnerships across the sector.
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Strong networks across the primary sector
- Experience working closely with farmers, growers or industry organisations
- A track record of leading large or geographically distributed teams
- The ability to represent government credibly across the sector
- Political awareness and sound judgement in complex environments
- A collaborative leadership style focused on trust and partnership
Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru
Low level Security Clearance
- most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
- is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this 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, the ability to obtain security clearance and a current full New Zealand driver's license
