Communications Adviser | Wellington City

Job Description

Communications Adviser

Role type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington City

Salary range & band: General Salary Range G & F: from $67,658 to $89,215 depending on skills and experience

About the Role – Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We're seeking an experienced and proactive Communications Adviser to join our Communications Directorate at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), delivering communications across the New Zealand Forest Service (Te Uru Rākau).

This is a varied and high-impact role where you will provide both strategic and tactical communications advice, helping ensure MPI's public communications are well planned, high quality, and aligned with government priorities. You'll work closely with policy, operational and leadership teams, manage media engagement, and support issues and crisis communications to protect and enhance MPI's reputation.

As a Communications Adviser, you will:

• Develop and maintain communications plans, adapting them as issues and risks evolve
• Deliver high-quality written communications, including media releases, speeches, talking points and digital content
• Manage media enquiries, support spokespeople, and identify and pitch proactive media opportunities
• Support Ministers' offices with communications advice and materials
• Contribute to issues management and crisis responses, including participation in coordinated incident responses when required
• Build strong relationships across MPI and with external stakeholders to deliver effective communications outcomes.

About You – Mōu

You are a confident communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working on complex and often high-profile issues. You'll bring strong judgement, excellent writing skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

We're especially interested in candidates who have:

• At least 3+ years' experience in external communications at adviser level
• Experience delivering both strategic and operational communications
• Strong writing and editing capability, with proven experience tailoring content to different audiences
• Experience working with media, including issues management and proactive story pitching
• Knowledge of government processes, including working with Ministers' offices
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• A collaborative mindset and the confidence to work independently when required.

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience is essential. Experience working with forestry or primary sector stakeholders is desirable but not required.

About the Team – Mō tō mātou Rōpū

You'll be part of MPI's Communications Directorate, a group of experienced professionals who work across the organisation to deliver trusted, timely and impactful communications.

The team supports MPI's strategic outcomes of prosperity, sustainability, protection and visible leadership, working closely with colleagues across policy, operations and leadership to deliver meaningful outcomes for New Zealanders.

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
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

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.

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 whakapapa; 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" 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 11.59pm on Wednesday 25th February 2026

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

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