Regional Adviser

Role overview

The Ministry for Primary Industries is looking for a Regional Adviser to join its On Farm Support team in Gisborne on a permanent, full-time basis. The position sits within General Salary Range D, with pay from $100,934 to $129,804 depending on experience and capability.

On Farm Support helps farmers and growers get practical tools, guidance, information, and advice so they can keep producing high-quality food and fibre. The team brings together MPI, private sector partners, and industry groups to deliver clear, coordinated support and strengthen sustainability across the sector.

What the role involves

• Helping farmers and growers access practical advisory and extension support.
• Working with partners to run workshops, training sessions, and resources that encourage better practice and innovation.
• Backing farmer-led catchment groups to improve farming and environmental results in line with local catchment priorities.
• Supporting farmers and growers to build resilience and prepare for severe weather or other adverse events, including hands-on help during floods, droughts, and similar situations.
• Bringing farmers, scientists, and industry stakeholders together so research and new ideas can be understood and used in real farming settings.
• Promoting available funding and support options.

The role is based at existing MPI offices in the region, and a work vehicle will be provided.

About you

You’ll bring a strong understanding of primary industries and a genuine empathy for the farming and growing sector. This role suits someone who listens well, is comfortable with different viewpoints, and is confident building relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders. You should be able to work alongside farmers and growers to identify issues, opportunities, and practical solutions.

• Solid knowledge of New Zealand agricultural and/or horticultural production systems.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across organisations and communities.
• Good understanding of rural communities, their challenges, and their opportunities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience explaining complex topics clearly and in a way that suits the audience.
• A proactive, self-driven approach and the ability to work independently without close supervision.

You must hold a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or restricted), or an equivalent full foreign licence, together with any endorsements needed for the driving required in the role.

You do not need to meet every requirement to be considered. MPI encourages applications from people who believe they could be a strong fit and offers learning and development opportunities to help people grow in the role.

About the team

On Farm Support sits within MPI’s Agriculture and Investment Services business unit. The wider group works toward a thriving and sustainable future for farmers, growers, primary industries, and rural communities, while also supporting animal health and wellbeing.

The team includes people with expertise in regional and community support, disaster recovery, and animal health and welfare. It also invests in innovation and research through partnerships with sectors, businesses, and communities across the food and fibre industries.

You will join a motivated national team focused on supporting farmers and representing their voice within MPI.

About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to growing prosperity in the sector while respecting Kaitiaki, the guardianship of natural resources.

Benefits

• Extra MPI leave days.
• An annual wellness payment.
• Bi-annual paid eye tests plus a contribution toward corrective lenses and frames.

Important conditions

This is a safety-sensitive role. Preferred candidates will need to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.

MPI is committed to working as a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including close engagement with iwi, hapū, whānau, and hāpori. The organisation values diversity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.

In your cover letter, MPI would like to learn about you, your values, your motivation for the role, and the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and perspectives you would bring. These may come from experience inside or outside the workforce.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand, or be eligible to obtain it.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 12 July. If you have questions about the role, contact Sophie Hallett by email.