Compliance Lead - Kauri at Ministry for Primary Industries, Auckland MPI Centre

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Compliance Leader, Kauri

Role type: Permanent Full-Time

Location: Flexible – Northland/Auckland/Waikato/BoP

General Salary Range C – $119,376 to $139,700 depending on skills and experience

 

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

Based in Biosecurity NZ, the Tiakina Kauri Management Agency leads Aotearoa's national programme for protecting Kauri and delivering the National Pest Management Plan for Phytophthora agathidicida. This role leads compliance and enforcement activity, partners with iwi and local authorities, and supports behaviour change across Kauri lands. You'll play a key role in shaping regulatory practice, supporting behaviour change, and ensuring the long-term health of this taonga species.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead implementation of the Kauri Ora national compliance plan
• Develop practical policy, processes, and training for compliance partners
• Support compliance monitoring and prioritised behaviour change activity
• Manage infringement and enforcement pathways under the NPMP
• Provide technical leadership, analysis and advice across compliance systems

 

About You - Mōu

You'll bring strong regulatory expertise and the ability to confidently influence in complex biosecurity settings. Your ability to build trusted relationships with iwi, land managers, councils and central government partners will be essential to your success

 

The ideal candidate will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent compliance/enforcement experience
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory compliance, ideally in biosecurity or government
• Strong analytical skills and proven ability to interpret and apply legislation
• Skilled communicator who builds trust and collaborates across agencies

 

You don't need to meet every requirement — if this mahi aligns to your strengths, we'd like to hear from you!

 

You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or restricted) or equivalent full foreign drivers licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing.

 

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You'll be part of the Tiakina Kauri Management Agency within Biosecurity New Zealand, working alongside technical specialists, compliance professionals, regional partners, and iwi. The team collaborates nationally and operates across multiple regions to protect Kauri through effective regulation, education, and partnerships. Your work directly supports MPI's biosecurity and protection outcomes.

 

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
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/careers/working-mpi/benefits/

 

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

 

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• 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

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, here.

 

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.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” 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 midnight on 22nd of February.

If you have any questions about the role, please email ryan.pink@mpi.govt.nz 

 

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