Policy Analyst, Food Policy | Wellington City

Job Description

Policy Analyst, Food Policy

Role Type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Wellington

Salary band and range: General Salary Range F: $76,463 to $89,215 depending on skills and experience

About the Roles – Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We have an exciting opportunity for a Policy Analyst to join our Food Policy team within the Regulatory Systems Policy directorate of Policy & Trade. This role is central to supporting New Zealand's world-class food safety system and offers the chance to work on a variety of topics across the wider food system.

As a Policy Analyst, you will:

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of food safety legislation and regulations
• Coordinate briefings, respond to correspondence, and support legislative processes
• Collaborate with technical experts and stakeholders to modernise food safety frameworks
• Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to provide clear, practical policy advice
• Engage with domestic and international partners, including Australian counterparts.

This role offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on New Zealand's food safety and trade systems.

About You – Mōu

We're looking for someone who is smart, driven, and ready to grow their policy career. Whether you're an experienced policy professional or a recent graduate, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll bring:

• Relevant qualifications and/or experience in policy or regulatory work
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A methodical, detail-oriented approach with a keen eye for accuracy
• The ability to write clearly for a range of audiences
• A collaborative mindset and desire to contribute positively to the team

You do not need to meet all the role requirements to apply. 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 – Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Food Policy team at MPI works on a broad range of issues central to the management of domestic food production and international trade in food. We are responsible for the development of regulatory policy relating to the food safety system.

You will work alongside a mix of Policy Analysts including Principal and Senior Policy Analysts. This team brings a mix of strong sector knowledge, regulatory expertise, and promote strategic thinking. The team also works closely with the wider Policy & Trade branch, government agencies and industry so there is ample opportunity to build meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

New Zealand's reputation for producing exceptional, high-quality food is fundamental to our exporting success. It also impacts on every New Zealander, who wants to know that the food they and their families are purchasing and consuming is safe and suitable.

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

• Annual Wellness payment
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
• Career development and internal opportunities across the branch and organisation

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” 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 11.59pm on Wednesday 18^th March 2026

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

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