Dairy Sector Government Engagement Lead

DairyNZ Limited; Wellington; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Based in Wellington, this fixed-term 18-month role sits in DairyNZ's Policy & Government Relations team, reporting to the Government Relations Manager. You will strengthen DairyNZ's engagement with government and support positive outcomes for New Zealand dairy farmers, providing political insights and coordinating engagement activities for advocacy priorities.

Reporting to the Government Relations Manager, you will lead regional MP engagement, build key relationships, plan farm visits and

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in government, parliamentary, public affairs or politically sensitive stakeholder engagement.
• Strong political judgement, discretion and relationship-management skills.
• Excellent research, analysis, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to turn technical evidence and political intelligence into clear briefings and practical advice.
• Comfort with owning significant workstreams and escalating sensitive matters as needed.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout New Zealand and attend early-morning or evening engagements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support DairyNZ's regional MP engagement programme.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, parliamentary staff and key stakeholders.
• Plan and coordinate farm visits, briefings and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Monitor political and policy developments relevant to NZ dairy farming.
• Provide political intelligence, analysis and recommendations.
• Prepare briefings, correspondence and meeting materials.
• Support advocacy initiatives and government engagement workstreams.
• Establish and deliver a local government engagement programme.
• Maintain engagement plans, relationship information and action tracking.

Skills

Gov/public affairs experience

Political judgement

Relationship management

Clear written and verbal communication

Ability to translate complex political

Job description

Based in Wellington, this fixed-term 18-month role sits in DairyNZ's Policy & Government Relations team, reporting to the Government Relations Manager. You will strengthen DairyNZ's engagement with government and support positive outcomes for New Zealand dairy farmers, providing political insights and coordinating engagement activities for advocacy priorities.

Reporting to the Government Relations Manager, you will lead regional MP engagement, build key relationships, plan farm visits and