What we value at MPI
At the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) we value the unique perspectives, experiences, and innovation of our motivated younger generations – our rangatahi, our future leaders, and change-makers. MPI celebrates an inclusive and diverse workplace where difference is championed. We're an employer of choice because of it.
We are committed to meeting the challenge of rapidly moving to a low carbon emissions society, restoring health of New Zealand's water, and reversing the decline in biodiversity, while continuing to feed New Zealand's people. The breadth of the primary industries offers meaningful and exciting careers, and Manatū Ahu Matua – MPI – is at the heart of the sector. Join us to make a difference.
You could be part of real change. As a leader. As kaitiaki. As a guardian. As you.
Get a career boost at MPI
MPI can help you get your career moving through our partnerships, scholarships, internships, and our graduate programme.
On this web page, find out about:
MPI's Graduate Development Programme
Join MPI's award-winning grad programme and launch a rewarding career – driving sustainability, prosperity, and protecting our taonga as well as our primary industries. You would be joining over a hundred MPI graduate alumni who have gone on to be government delegates abroad, principal advisers, senior analysts, fishery officers, and much more.
Is the graduate programme for you?
We want to hear from you if you:
- are knowledgeable and passionate about the primary sector
- are enthusiastic, adaptable and willing to learn
- want to become a kaitiaki of New Zealand’s taonga
- want to work with others to create a better future.
What you can expect in the grad programme
The MPI graduate development programme has been designed to enable you to launch your career working with and learning from a team of leading experts, contributing to exciting, meaningful, and rewarding projects, and experiencing professional and personal growth. You'll have work rotations of about 6 months each in different parts of MPI, such as biosecurity, forestry, fisheries, food, agriculture, response, regulation or policy.
The programme is about developing you – we invest in you to build the skills you need to succeed to accelerate your career. You will be exposed to policy, standards setting and regulation, stakeholder engagement, responses and readiness, frontline operations, and support functions; in addition to gaining specialist skills and training through the structured learning and development programme.
You'll need:
- a recent tertiary qualification (applicants should have graduated no more than 2 years before the start of the programme)
- to hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it
- curiosity and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- clear, confident communication skills
- to be adaptable, committed, and focused on achieving
- a collaborative working style.
Thankfully, you don't have to be a one-size-fits-all mould to make it here at MPI because what makes you different is what makes you special and that's what we are looking for. We want to hear about:
- your identification with your community or iwi
- if you've done voluntary or community work
- your experience leading, coaching, or mentoring others – for example in a sports team, volunteer group, or academically
How to apply for the grad programme
Applications for the 2026 MPI grad programme are now closed.
