About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are looking for an Adviser to join our Official Information Act (OIA) team which is responsible for the management of the Ministry's OIA, Privacy Act, and Ombudsman correspondence.

In this role you will be preparing information and responses to requests for information for publication on MPI's website, within the requirements of organisational policy with consideration to relevant legislation. This includes coordinating contributions from across the organisation to ensure that responses are on-time, consistent and of high quality.

From handling Official Information Act requests to Privacy Act inquiries and Ombudsman correspondence, this role isn't just about answering questions—it's about fostering accountability and bridging gaps between communities, and decision-makers.

Coordinating across seven dynamic portfolios - Fisheries New Zealand, Agriculture Investment Services, New Zealand Food Safety, Rural Communities, Animal Welfare, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, and Biosecurity New Zealand —requires vision and collaboration. It means bringing together diverse perspectives, from industry groups representing fisheries and iwi to organisations like the SPCA, to create response. Through this collaboration, the Ministry becomes a unifying voice for multiple sectors, ensuring that every stakeholder feels heard.

About You - Mōu

You will be an energetic self-starter with a reputation for working effectively across an organisation to get things done.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Experience with the OIA: Responding to OIA requests and advising on its application.
• Communication Expertise: Superior writing skills, adaptable to various audiences, and ease in robust conversations with senior staff.
• Resilience and Problem-Solving: Ability to work under pressure, manage ambiguity, address risks proactively, and escalate issues as needed.
• Government Knowledge: Deep understanding of the machinery of Government, including agency-Minister dynamics and interactions with the Parliament.
• Relationship Management: Extensive experience collaborating with Ministers' offices and external parties, fostering strategic relationships.
• Multitasking Capability: Skilled in juggling multiple priorities and solving complex problems effectively.
• You do not need to meet all the role requirements to apply. We will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

You're ambitious, ideally someone looking to grow your career. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities. This role is seen as a gateway to opportunities to move up and/or sideways into the likes of Ministerial Adviser roles, Government Services roles, Senior and Principal level roles, and of course you'll have exposure to other opportunities across MPI.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

We are a fun and fast-moving team at the forefront of our Government Services Directorate. Our mahi supports the Ministry and our Ministers' offices with responding to Official Information Act requests. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment that includes regular meetings, trainings and outings.

This team has the benefit of direct access to our senior leadership including the Director Government Services, and Deputy Director-General of Public Affairs.

We are a team of 12 Advisers, Seniors and a Principal all located in Wellington, working across a broad range of topics.

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 sustainable 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
• Annual Wellness payment
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes

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.

Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? - 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, 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 FOR THIS JOB” 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 11.59pm Tuesday April 29 2025

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