Controller, North Island

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

This 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

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Higher level Security Clearance

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

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 30 November 2025.

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.

If you have any questions about the role, please email

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organization, we are committed to making Management 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.

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

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