Principal Compliance Officer

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Principal Compliance Officer – Animal Welfare and NAIT Compliance

Role type : Permanent, Full time

Location : 1 x North Island, 1 x South Island

Salary band & range : General Salary Range D – $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience

About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga

The Compliance & Response Directorate within Agricultural and Investment Services is recruiting two Principal Compliance Officers within Animal Welfare and NAIT Compliance. This new and exciting role emphasises driving directorate‑wide excellence across the full scope of the Compliance and Response portfolio, from NAIT compliance to Animal Welfare compliance, inspecting fish farms, zoos, livestock and everything in between.

About You – Mōu

You will be an established compliance expert, highly regarded within your field. You will possess infectious energy and passion that empower others to excel. You thrive leading complex, large‑scale and unique investigations, are comfortable with the New Zealand court process and can prepare meticulous investigation files. You have excellent attention to detail and analytical skills, enabling you to see the big picture. You are hands‑on, understand the farming calendar, animal husbandry practices and traceability obligations, and engage with farmers and key stakeholders. You have experience mentoring high‑performing operational teams and can demonstrate this. You thrive on thinking on your feet, work in ambiguous environments, and solve problems quickly. You have strategic clarity, spot opportunities for improvement, and communicate challenging ideas with confidence and impact.

About the Team – Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Animal Welfare and NAIT Compliance group sits within Agriculture & Investment Services. This role reports to a Regional Manager based in Christchurch (South Island) or Tauranga (North Island). Both roles are expected to be based near an airport and within commuting distance of an MPI office. National travel, often at short notice, is an integral requirement.

Security checks – Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Higher level Security Clearance required. Candidates must meet one of the following :

• New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years.
• Citizen of, and / or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years : Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA; with a verifiable background history suitable for a higher‑level security clearance.
• 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.

Drug and Alcohol Screening – Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro

Given this position is safety sensitive, preferred candidates will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre‑employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site.

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 fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI – Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

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, working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori. We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve and welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities. In your cover letter tell us about your values, interests, motivations for this role, and the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and the organisation.

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 11 : 59pm on Sunday 2 November 2025.

For questions about the role, please email

Follow MPI here – Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei. Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X.

#J-18808-Ljbffr