About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries is helping to seize export opportunities for our primary industries, improve sector productivity, ensure the food we produce is safe, increase sustainable resource use, and protect New Zealand from biological risk.

Veterinarians play a big part in the work MPI does within New Zealand and across the global market so we're passionate about finding skilled professionals in helping us achieve these goals.

MPI is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest employer of veterinarians. We have more than 300 vets working for us around the country and overseas. Our veterinarians provide valuable technical expertise and are recognised as trusted advisers at MPI, and in the wider public service.

As a public service veterinarian at MPI, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects in areas such as Verification Services, Biosecurity, Market Access and Animal Welfare.

Whether you're an early career vet or have a broad portfolio of both technical and non-technical experience, there's a place for you at MPI.



About Verification Services:

At Verification Services, our core purpose is to deliver independent, cost-effective, and high-quality verification, certification, inspection, and clearance programs that meet all regulatory requirements. We're committed to providing a range of food safety and biosecurity verification and certification services to at least 2,000 processing companies across New Zealand, including the meat, seafood, game, and dairy industries.

Export meat is a significant area of focus for MPI Verification Services, accounting for 80% of our activities. Our work encompasses farms, abattoirs, meat and fish packhouses, cold storage facilities, and other specialized premises processing animal products.

As a veterinarian with MPI Verification Services, you'll have the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects in the food safety and biosecurity sectors, making a real difference to the safety and quality of our agricultural products.

MPI Verification Services is looking for skilled veterinarians to fill a range of roles across New Zealand, from Northland to Southland and everywhere in between. This includes;

• Northland
• Bay of Plenty
• Hawkes Bay
• Whanganui/Taranaki
• Manawatu
• Nelson
• Canterbury
• Otago
• Invercargill

Why do people like working here?

At Verification Services, we offer career paths for veterinary professionals with diverse backgrounds. Our roles cater to individuals from clinical practice, those looking for a return to work/practise after time out or new graduates wanting to start their careers with us.

At MPI, we believe that the growth and development of our team members is crucial to the success of both our people and the primary sectors we support. That's why we provide comprehensive in-service training aimed at enhancing your technical and leadership skills.

You'll receive six to eight weeks of technical training prior to being warranted under the relevant legislation. We also have ongoing, on-site training, mentoring and technical support for you in your new role.

Here's what some of our people have to say about working with MPI:

“Before this role, I had 14 years out of my veterinary career for parenting..and thought that maybe veterinary was done for me, but MPI has provided an avenue for getting back to your veterinary career. I love the variety, I love my colleagues..the hours work around family life. It's shift work so you know exactly when you're going to work and so you can plan your family around those hours” – Lyn

“I've seen how exceptionally hard working the farming community is so to be able to help them out with this role is quite satisfying…also knowing that you're helping the country achieve their goals in order to maintain the reputation as the exporter of primary produce, that again is great.” - Jagdeep

Watch some of our team describe why they love the role that they are in and their journey into a career with Verification Services – Click Here

Benefits of working with MPI:

Our Establishment team can offer you a structured working week where you get paid overtime after working 40 hours and unsociable hours compensation, including shift allowance and penal rates if applicable. Work hours are typically Monday – Friday, with some weekend hours during peak seasons. Early starts, or late finishes are recognised with penal time payments, as well as shift leave accumulation.

We also provide additional benefits including:

• Membership of the NZVA or appropriate alternative
• Annual payment for the Annual practicing certificate
• Wellness benefit for employees
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes
• Relocation assistance will be considered for successful applicants
• See the benefits of working at MPI

What you'll bring to the role:

We are seeking veterinarians who excel at building relationships with people and share our passion for supporting the success of New Zealand's primary industries.

As a member of the Verification Services team, you will collaborate with a diverse group of individuals from both within MPI and external businesses across New Zealand. We value individuals who embody integrity, trust, ethics and values, resilience, adaptability, and openness.

To be eligible for these positions, candidates must be registered as a Veterinarian in New Zealand, or be able to obtain registration with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. Additionally, applicants must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - for more information on work visa eligibility and options click here

Are you ready to make a difference?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whanau 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 a great place to work for all.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa.

In return you'll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you're growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.

What next?

If you would like to discuss what a career with Verification Services might look like for you, please get in contact with our Vets Careers Team at vetcareers@mpi.govt.nz to discuss.

Otherwise, we would welcome you to submit your CV and a Cover Letter outlining what opportunities and locations you would be interested in considering for your next career move.