Regional Advisor

Role overview

This permanent full-time Regional Adviser position is based in Hawke's Bay and sits within MPI's On Farm Support function. The role supports farmers and growers by connecting them with practical advice, tools, and assistance that help them strengthen performance, resilience, and sustainability in the food and fibre sector.

The team works across government, private sector, and industry networks to make support easier to access and more useful on the ground. The role is based in existing MPI offices in the region, and a work vehicle will be provided. A four-day working week may also be considered.

What the role involves

• Helping farmers and growers access practical farm advisory and extension support.
• Working with partners to deliver workshops, training, and resources that encourage better practices and new approaches.
• Supporting farmer-led catchment groups focused on improved environmental and farming outcomes.
• Assisting communities and primary producers to prepare for and respond to adverse events such as floods and droughts.
• Building links between farmers, scientists, and industry so research and innovation can be applied in practical ways.
• Promoting available funding and support opportunities.

What you bring

Success in this role calls for strong empathy with primary industries, an understanding of rural communities, and the ability to build trusted relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders. You should be comfortable identifying challenges and opportunities with farmers and growers and helping shape workable solutions.

• Strong knowledge of New Zealand agricultural and/or horticultural production systems.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships across organisations and communities.
• A solid understanding of rural issues, priorities, and opportunities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with strong attention to detail.
• Experience explaining complex topics in a clear, relevant, and audience-focused way.
• A self-starting, can-do approach and the confidence to work independently.
• A current full New Zealand driver licence, or an equivalent full foreign licence, with any endorsements needed for the driving required in the role.

Team and organisation

On Farm Support sits within MPI's Agriculture and Investment Services business unit. The wider team contributes to a sustainable future for farmers, growers, primary industries, rural communities, and animal wellbeing. The group includes expertise in regional and community support, disaster recovery, and animal health and welfare, and also helps fund innovation and research through partnerships across food and fibre industries. The successful candidate will join a motivated national team focused on supporting farmers and representing their voice within MPI.

Working at MPI

MPI is committed to growing prosperity in the sector while respecting kaitiaki and the guardianship of natural resources. The organisation values Te Tiriti o Waitangi and works closely with iwi, hapū, whānau, and hāpori. It also aims to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.

Benefits

• Extra MPI leave days.
• Annual wellness payment.
• A bi-annual paid eye test, plus a contribution toward corrective lenses and frames.
• A suitable vehicle to support the duties of the role.

Application notes

Applicants should include in their cover letter details about themselves, their values, their interest and motivation for the role, and the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and perspectives they would bring, including those developed outside the workforce. Candidates must have the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it. Applications close at midnight on 30 June. For role queries, contact the listed email address provided by the employer.

Additional information

Salary is listed under General Salary Range D, but no specific figure is provided.