Controller, North Island

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Job title : Controller, North Island – Agriculture & Investment Services
• Role type :
• Permanent, Full time
• Location :
• Flexible within North Island, NZ
• Salary band & range :
• General Salary Range C - $119,376 to $160,026 depending on skills and experience
• About the Role - Kōrero mō te tūranga
• Lead New Zealand's response to major adverse events affecting our primary industries.We're seeking an experienced leader to join MPI's Agriculture and Investment Services (AIS) Response Group as the Northern Controller. This pivotal role will prepare and lead national and regional responses to disruptive events that impact New Zealand's primary producers.As a Controller, you will :
• Direct major response operations as National or Regional Controller during severe adverse events
• Shape MPI's response capability by developing strategies, frameworks, and readiness plans
• Drive continuous improvement across MPI's hazard response systems (e.g. FMD, HPAI)
• Build capability and mentor teams, ensuring AIS and other branches are prepared for future challenges
• Collaborate across MPI and with external partners, strengthening relationships and improving tools, training, and information flows
• About You - Mōu
• We're looking for a high-level response trained self-starter with proven leadership capabilities in emergency and / or crisis management. You will have;
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills when under pressure
• Ability to influence and build relationships across diverse stakeholders
• Experience in operational planning and capability developmentThis is a leadership role that blends strategic thinking, operational excellence, and relationship management. You'll be instrumental in shaping MPI's response capability and ensuring New Zealand's primary producers are supported when it matters most.You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.
• About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū
• This is your chance to make a real difference in protecting and growing New Zealand's primary industries. In collaboration with the Southern Controller you'll work at the forefront of national response efforts, leading teams and shaping systems that safeguard our economy and communities.At MPI, we're committed to growing and protecting New Zealand. You'll be part of a larger team that values collaboration, innovation, and resilience.
• About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua
• Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.
• 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
• Higher level Security Clearance
• most preferably a New Zealand citizen who has
• resided continuously in New Zealand
• for at least the last
• ten
• 10) years
• , OR
• is a citizen of,
• and / or has resided continuously
• in one or more of the following countries for the last
• ten (10) years
• : either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA;
• and
• has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.
• click to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility tool.If you do not meet these minimum criteria,
• we will not be able to accept
• your application.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 . To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.
• Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 30 November 2025.
• If you have any questions about the role, please email
• Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā t
• hononga ki MPI i konei
• Links to , , ,| Location : | National |

#J-18808-Ljbffr