Policy Analyst (Multiple Opportunities)

Job Description

Policy Analyst, multiple opportunities

Role type : Permanent, full-time

Location : Wellington City

Salary band & range : General Salary Range F : $76,463 to $89,215 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand's primary industries?

We're looking for curious and motivated Policy Analysts to join our Policy & Trade business unit.

As a Policy Analyst, you'll contribute to meaningful work that supports New Zealand's environment, economy, and communities.

We have opportunities across multiple policy teams including :

Aquaculture Policy

Fisheries Policy

Forestry Sector Policy

As a Policy Analyst, you will :

Develop policy advice and contribute to legislation and regulation that supports our primary sectors.

Write briefings, responses to Parliamentary questions, and Official Information Act requests.

Work collaboratively across MPI and with other government agencies on a range of policy issues.

Build strong relationships with stakeholders to help shape practical, effective policy.

At Ministry for Primary Industries, you'll find a supportive environment, opportunities for learning and development, and a chance to work on issues that matter to New Zealanders.

About You - Mou

Given the variety of work across these teams, this is a great opportunity for early-career professionals – whether you're a recent graduate or have 1–2 years of experience in policy, planning, or a related field.

You might have studied public policy, environmental science, law, economics, or another relevant field.

What matters most is your potential and your passion for making a difference.

You will be able to demonstrate good initiative and time management, a solution-focused approach, and a proven ability to develop and manage effective relationships.

We are looking for people who are :

Curious, motivated, and eager to learn.

Strong communicators who can explain complex ideas clearly.

Analytical thinkers who enjoy solving problems.

Comfortable working with ambiguity and adapting to change.

Interested in the primary sector, including environmental and climate issues.

Confident building relationships and working with others.

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 - Mo to matou Ropu

The Policy and Trade branch provides sector-level strategic thinking and evidence-based advice for effective government decision-making for systems related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, biosecurity, food, animal welfare, and rural communities.

Our people are our greatest resource.

They are collaborative, supportive, passionate, and highly skilled in a range of economic, science, and social disciplines.

The Aquaculture Policy team supports the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to grow New Zealand's aquaculture industry to $3 billion.

You'll have the opportunity to support strategic policy development as well as contributing to technical regulations.

We also contribute to the resource management system changes to support aquaculture consenting.

The Fisheries Policy team is responsible for developing policy advice that ensures fisheries resources are managed in a way that provides the greatest overall benefit to New Zealanders while honouring Treaty settlements and ensuring sustainability of New Zealand's fisheries.

This work includes the review and development of strategic policies on the management of customary, commercial, and recreational fisheries.

The Forestry Sector Policy team is responsible for developing policy analysis and advice, and maintaining legislation relating to the forestry sector.

We provide thought leadership to grow the forestry and wood processing sector, lift sector productivity and ensure that regulatory settings are fit-for-purpose for the industry to contribute to growing New Zealand's economy.

We work closely with Te Uru Rakau – New Zealand Forest Service, and a wide range of teams at MPI and across the public sector who deal with the topics related to forestry like climate change, land use and water.

These are Wellington based roles reporting to a manager within the relevant policy team.

About MPI - Mo Te Manatu Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua

Additional MPI leave days

Annual Wellness payment

Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

Are you ready to make a difference?

• Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

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 Manatu 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

If you have any questions about the role, please email

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