Regional Advisor

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI); Christchurch; On-site; NZD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Annual Wellness payment

Eye test and lens contribution

Job summary

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in Christchurch invites applications for a Regional Adviser role covering Canterbury. You will engage farmers, growers and rural groups, delivering practical advice and coordinating extension activities across the region.

The role focuses on building trusted partnerships, supporting productivity, sustainability and resilience, and delivering sector initiatives while working from a Christchurch office.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of New Zealand agriculture and/or horticulture.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective networks.
• Sound problem-solving and communication skills.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Supporting farmers and growers with practical advice, connections and resources.
• Building strong relationships across industry, government and rural communities.
• Supporting catchment groups and extension activities that improve farming and environmental outcomes.
• Delivering workshops, projects and sector initiatives.
• Helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from adverse events.

Skills

Agriculture knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship management

Networking skills

Problem solving

Organisation skills

Job description

Regional Adviser - Canterbury

Role type: Permanent, Full-time

Location: Christchurch

Salary band & range: General Salary Range D/E: $88,748 to $120,365 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

On Farm Support helps farmers and growers access the tools, information and support they need to succeed.

As a Regional Adviser, you'll work alongside farmers, growers, catchment groups, industry organisations and rural communities across Canterbury. You'll build trusted relationships, connect people with practical solutions, and support initiatives that improve productivity, sustainability and resilience across the sector.

This is a varied role that combines stakeholder engagement, project work, catchment and extension activities, and support for adverse events.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting farmers and growers with practical advice, connections and resources.
• Building strong relationships across industry, government and rural communities.
• Supporting catchment groups and extension activities that improve farming and environmental outcomes.
• Delivering workshops, projects and sector initiatives.
• Helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from adverse events.

Please note this is a Christchurch-based, office-based role.

About You – Mōu

We're looking for someone who understands New Zealand's primary industries, enjoys building relationships, and can navigate complex information to find practical solutions.

You'll bring:

• Knowledge of New Zealand agriculture and/or horticulture.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective networks.
• Sound problem-solving and communication skills.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to work independently.
• An understanding of rural communities and the issues that matter to them.

A current & valid full New Zealand driver's licence is essential. This role includes regular driving and field-based activities. The successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

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

On Farm Support is part of MPI's Agriculture and Investment Services business unit. We work to create a thriving and sustainable future for farmers, growers and rural communities across New Zealand.

You’ll join a collaborative team that supports one another while delivering outcomes across their own regions and sectors.

About MPI - Mō Te Manatū 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 - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred candidates(s) for the position 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.

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 which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

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 Manatū 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.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday 12th October 2026

If you have any questions about the role, please email [e-mail]