New Zealand Food Safety Intern | Wellington City

Job Description

New Zealand Food Safety Intern

Role type: Fixed-term ~3 months from mid-Nov to mid-Feb

Location: Wellington

Salary: $60,750 per annum pro-rata

About us – New Zealand Food Safety / Haumaru Kai Aotearoa

We lead the development, implementation and oversight of the regulatory and compliance system that underpins our impressive food economy. The work we do strongly contributes to our country's public health, economic, and wellbeing outcomes. We ensure that food is safe and suitable, consumers globally can trust food produced in New Zealand and make informed choices, food businesses can thrive and innovate within a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework, and overseas governments can have a high level of confidence and trust in our export assurances.

We are looking for interns who are passionate about the food safety system and keen to apply their theoretical knowledge into practical real-world experiences. We are looking for people who are effective communicators, love problem-solving, have excellent attention to detail, and enjoy building relationships.

Watch this video to learn more about the work of New Zealand Food Safety.

About You – Mōu

We don't expect our interns to have had much food safety related work experience, but relevant study and an interest in this field is a must. Interns must:

• Be studying in New Zealand for a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in microbiology, toxicology, biomedical science, food technology, food science, nutrition, biochemistry, chemistry, environmental/public health or veterinary sciences.
• Have an interest in food safety and the food system in New Zealand.
• Ideally be in their final year of study or commencing their final year of study following the internship.
• Be available to work full time (40hrs p/w) in Wellington from mid-November to mid-February (excluding the Christmas/New Year holidays).
• Hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it.

Our work environment is fast paced and constantly evolving, so you will succeed if you have flexibility to develop and enjoy working in a dynamic environment.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You will be placed in a team where you will gain valuable business experience by getting involved in your teams' work programme, learning from our subject matter experts, and have an opportunity to deliver your own piece of work, to provide you a fulfilling work experience during your time with us.

• The summer intern programme runs for approximately three months from November 2025 to February 2026 (actual dates to be confirmed).
• We have three placements on offer based in central Wellington.
• Interns are employed on a fixed term contract with MPI, working full time (40 hours a week Monday to Friday).

Placements

Interns will be placed in one of the following areas:

Food Risk Management

This directorate sets regulations and provides guidance on standards for food production, processing, importing, and exporting. In addition, they monitor and evaluate emerging food safety risks, manage compliance with legislation, and coordinate responses to protect public health.

Food Science & Risk Assessment

This directorate ensures New Zealand's food is safe and suitable through conducting research and providing scientific and technical advice. The team provides risk-based advice to help identify and monitor food safety hazards, provide expertise and advice on nutrition, labelling and food composition and identify options to effectively manage food related risks to human health.

Verification Services

This directorate audits (verifies) animal product businesses to ensure appropriate management/ processing/ handling of animals & products for domestic and export production.

In addition, they provide export certification for animal products e.g. meat, dairy, seafood and live animals, to meet overseas market access requirements.

You will be exposed to a variety of work and we are keen to contribute to your development in a way that suits your aspirations, as well as helping with our workload!

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

Our role includes seizing export opportunities for our food and fibre sector, improving sector productivity, ensuring the food we produce is safe, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risk.

To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click 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 apply or visit the MPI Careers Site.

Application and selection process

Our selection process has been designed to help identify the key attributes and skills we are looking for that will enable you to be successful during this internship programme. 

The steps in the recruitment process are as follows:

1. Apply for this position via the MPI Careers portal and create your profile.
2. Submit your application form, upload your CV, covering letter and Academic transcript.
3. Relevant applicants - attend a virtual formal panel interview
4. Relevant applicants - complete pre-employment checks such as references and vetting checks (if required).

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 3 August.

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

Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei

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