No grad programme in 2025
MPI's Graduate Development Programme will not be running in 2025. To receive updates on the 2026 programme, email grads@mpi.govt.nz
For individuals
Mā te takitahi
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"I joined the MPI Graduate Development Programme after completing my Master of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity at Victoria University of Wellington.
"I decided to apply for the grad programme because I was interested in fisheries and biosecurity and the chance to try out different roles within MPI.
"My first rotation was in New Zealand Food Safety. Not having a background in food safety, I learnt a lot about food safety legislation and the monitoring we undertake in New Zealand to ensure our food products are safe for consumption and meet export or import requirements. In this rotation, I supported food safety assurance monitoring programmes and investigated the application of data visualisation for reporting purposes.
"My second and third rotations were in inshore fisheries management. In these rotations, I had the opportunity to lead a regulatory review of recreational daily bag limits for finfish, support Fisheries New Zealand's contribution to Customary Marine Title proceedings under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, and be the secretariat for the national rock lobster multi-stakeholder management group.
"I really enjoyed being part of a group of grads as you are all going through the same experience at the same time and can support each other. As part of the programme, you also receive support from a grad buddy, who has been through the grad programme, and mentor. The grad trips are also an awesome opportunity to meet with stakeholders and get on the ground knowledge of primary sectors."
"I studied a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in economics with minors in politics at the University of Otago. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to take my career, or even what my options were, but I knew I was interested in environmental economics. The MPI graduate programme appealed to me as our primary industries play a prominent role in the GDP, sustainability, and politics of Aotearoa.
"My first rotation placed me in the investment, community and oversight team, where I researched and engaged with stakeholders of emerging sustainable finance trends. For my second rotation, I chose to join Māori agribusiness, a team that supports whenua Māori owners and Māori owned entities to fulfil their aspirations for their rohe/rōpū.
"The graduate programme helped me understand my own aspirations and goals. The opportunity to work with a variety of teams showed me exactly what I'm passionate about and how I like to work. My permanent role is fulfilling and supports a kaupapa I’m incredibly proud of, and it is not something I would have considered in the past.
"Another benefit is instantly having a cohort of mates across the organisation, transitioning from study to work can be jarring and our support network was invaluable. We have made lifelong friendships and life changing connections."
"I joined the MPI grad program after finishing a Master of Science at Lincoln University, driven by my passion to contribute to the future of New Zealand's primary industries.
"In my first rotation with aquaculture policy, I have had the chance to delve into an exciting sector and engage in the policy development process, working to help accelerate aquaculture in New Zealand. I didn't have much previous experience in this area, which highlights one of the best aspects of the programme – the ability to try new things and develop in a supportive environment. I am really excited for my next 2 rotations and am keen to experience work across different areas of MPI.
"One of the best parts of the grad program so far has been having a cohort of grads to lean on for support and make new friends. As a cohort, we are provided with a lot of development sessions that have been really beneficial to develop soft skills, which will be useful in any future roles."
"I came into the grad program after having gained a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies and Political Science at Victoria University. As I was nearing the end of my studies, I didn't have the clearest picture of what I wanted to do in my career, so I decided to apply for MPI's Graduate Program. I was excited by the opportunity to try 3 different teams out before finding a permanent role. My first rotation has been in the international relations team, working on maintaining relationships with our international counterparts, and supporting international co-operation activities.
"I've really enjoyed my time as a grad so far. One of the best things about the program has been belonging to a cohort of grads, each getting our first taste of 'work life' together. There are also a lot of development opportunities, like mentoring and training that have been super valuable. The program has been a supportive environment for me to learn about New Zealand's primary sectors and government more generally."
Other ways we support primary industry careers
As well as our grad programme, we also support primary industry careers through:
MPI scholarships
We know that balancing study with everything else you have going on is hard yards. We support a range of scholarships and awards that may help you.
Fisheries New Zealand scholarship
Available to both Masters and undergraduate students in the fields of fisheries science and marine biology.
Get details about the Fisheries New Zealand scholarship
TupuToa Internship Programme
We are a proud major partner of the TupuToa Internship Programme. This is an innovative programme creating pathways for Māori and Pasifika students into careers in the corporate and professional sectors. Each year we welcome a number of TupuToa interns to join MPI for a 3-month internship.
TupuToa seeks to ensure corporate Aotearoa is representative of our country, by developing and empowering our people and building the cultural capability of our partners. TupuToa programmes aim to address the persistent inequalities facing Māori and Pasifika communities and disrupt intergenerational disadvantage.
New Zealand Food Safety Summer Intern Programme 2024-2025
Recruitment for our summer internships closed on 25 August 2024.
If you have any questions, email careers@mpi.govt.nz
The type of intern we were seeking
- Those considering a career in food safety.
- Students who wanted to find out what it’s like to work in the public sector.
- Applicants looking for paid employment over summer.
We sought applications from effective communicators, who loved problem-solving, had excellent attention to detail, and enjoyed building relationships.
We were looking for interns studying for an undergraduate degree in microbiology, biomedical science, food technology, food science, nutrition, toxicology, chemistry, veterinary sciences, environmental/public health, emergency management or a biochemistry degree.
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Our commitment to inclusion and diversity
Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi.
— When the old net is cast aside, the new net goes fishing.
Tautua nei mo sou manuia a taeao. (Samoan)
— Serve now for a better tomorrow.
