NZFS Intern | Wellington City
| Category: | Scientists/ Technicians |
| Position Type: | Fixed Term |
| Attachments: | NZFS Intern Position Description.docx (Word, 140KB) |
| Application Close Date: | 09-Aug-2026 |
Job Description
Job title: New Zealand Food Safety Intern Programme 2026-2027
Role type: Internship
Location: Wellington
Exciting Summer Intern positions available for people passionate about food safety
- Have you considered a career in food safety?
- Do you want to find out what it's like to work in the public sector?
- Are you looking for paid employment this summer?
About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga
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 2026 to February 2027 (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. |
|
Assurance |
This directorate provide assurance that New Zealand's food safety, animal products, plant, wine and organic systems are being operated in line with regulatory and non-regulatory standards, and exported primary products meet importing market requirements. |
We have a variety of work across these teams and are keen to contribute to your development in a way that suits your aspirations, as well as helping with our workload!
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 essential. 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, horticulture, 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 New Zealand Food Safety / Haumaru Kai Aotearoa
We lead the development, implementation and oversight of the regulatory, assurance and compliance systems that underpin our impressive food economy through to exporting. 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.
About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.
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.
Application and selection process - Tukanga Tono
Indicative dates:
- Applications open: Friday 24 July – Sunday 9 August 2026
- Interviews (online): Early-mid September 2026
- Offers made: Early October 2026
- Programme begins: Mid November 2026
To apply:
- Visit the MPI Careers portal Careers at MPI | NZ Government and create your account profile.
- Submit your application form, your CV, covering letter and Academic transcript.
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.
If you require any help or assistance with submitting your application or during any part of the selection process, please contact us so we can accommodate your needs as much as possible.
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.
Please contact Olivia Murphy, Olivia.Murphy@mpi.govt.nz for further information
Applications are open from Friday 24 July - midnight Sunday 9 August 2026
