About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Our Agriculture, Forestry, and Corporate Law team supports MPI's staff working in those areas with advice on a mix of issues including statutory interpretation and development of legislation, resource management law, forestry transactions, the emissions trading scheme, public sector procurement, and commercial transactions. We need your skills as an experienced lawyer who can take responsibility for delivering the legislative, operational, and commercial advice they need, personally and through a team of dedicated and enthusiastic lawyers.

You will manage the team's work on legislation, work with policy teams and Parliamentary Counsel on Acts and regulations, and with MPI staff on other delegated legislation. The team will have an overview of the legislation relating to agriculture and forestry and facilitate feedback of operational experience into regulatory stewardship processes. You ensure the team provides prompt and reliable advice on operational and commercial issues, including public sector rules of sourcing. Earning the trust of our senior leaders as someone who can assist their decision-making and facilitate delivery of effective legislation. You'll have the support of your peers in a leadership team that includes Principal Legal Advisers with expertise in litigation management and development of legislation.

The Legal Services directorate operates with a degree of flexibility around resources. Members of your team will periodically be required to contribute to projects across the range of the directorate's responsibilities.

About You - Mōu

You will need to draw on your knowledge of public law in regulatory contexts to provide legally sound and pragmatic advice, and to support the team in advising on more complex issues. Your leadership experience will foster the professional development of the team. Over time, you will work with the team to identify further areas of work where clients can be supported effectively without legal advice on individual decisions and transactions.

To join us you will need:

• To be qualified to practise law in New Zealand and a current practising certificate (or eligibility to hold a practising certificate)
• Extensive knowledge of government legal frameworks, public law, the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi; and/or commercial practice in a public sector context
• Experience of legal services management in a multi-disciplinary organisation
• The ability to gather, organise, and communicate information quickly
• An ability quickly to understand the nature of a problem, identify a range of possible solutions, form conclusions and provide advice.
• Knowledge of environmental law relating to farming and forestry (desirable)

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

Legal Services contributes to the achievements of MPI by advising on legal risks and opportunities, helping to deliver legally robust solutions, and turning policy into effective legislation. We enjoy working in (and on) the complex and fascinating statutory regimes that MPI administers, knowing that what we do protects our environment and enhances the prosperity of New Zealanders. We are proud of our inclusive and supportive directorate culture and strive to maintain that.

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 primary 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

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.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

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” 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 midnight 24 March 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please email Sophie.Hallett@mpi.govt.nz

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