Investigator

Job Title: Investigator

Role Type: Permanent, full-time

Location: Auckland

Salary Band & Range: COPS $84,396 - $113,129 depending on skills and experience


About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga

As an Investigator you'll be part of a high-performing team responsible for leading and delivering complex investigations into serious non-compliance across a wide range of sectors. You'll work across all business units, handling referrals from areas such as Animal Welfare, Food Compliance, and Fisheries, and will be involved in everything from illegal home kill operations to importation of non-compliant goods.

In this role, you would have the opportunity to:

lead and undertake criminal investigations, including interviews, evidence collection, and file preparation
prepare and present robust prosecution cases in collaboration with other investigators
apply the VADE compliance model to deliver outcomes and support compliance education
prepare production orders and search warrants, prepare and conduct subsequent operational field work
expand your subject matter expertise in regulatory law and compliance
build strong relationships with stakeholders including Police, Crown Law, Customs, and local councils.
With 17 pieces of legislation, the work here at MPI is incredibly diverse, and no two days are the same.

Note that you will need to be physically fit and able to perform this role.

About You - Mou

You have an enforcement background ideally with experience leading complex investigations, including the interpretation and application of relevant legislation, regulations, legal requirements, and construction of investigation files.

You thrive showcasing your:

excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders
strong understanding of investigative flow and prosecution file preparation
inquisitive nature, with the ability to interview individuals, collect evidence, and deploy a range of modern investigative techniques
excellent planning, prioritising, and time management skills
experience in regulatory law enforcement agencies, Police Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), or equivalent fraud investigative skills
knowledge of Privacy principles, Search and Surveillance, Criminal Procedure, Evidence and Criminal Disclosure legislation.
You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or provisional) or equivalent full foreign driver licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing.

About the Team - Mo to matou Ropu

The Investigations team are based in Auckland and are part of the Investigations and Compliance Support directorate. The teams are made up of investigators and investigation analysts with diverse professional backgrounds and subject matter expertise. We work across teams, with an inclusive and collaborative team approach.

Our team's mandate spans a broad range of Acts that MPI administer. We take responsibility for Acts without a dedicated compliance group, and we accept referrals from other groups and co-regulators. We also assist officers and co-regulators with their investigations. We have a varied workload as we investigate matters across many of the Acts MPI administer.

About MPI - Mo te Manatu 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.

Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua

Additional MPI leave days
Ability to purchase extra annual leave
Annual Wellness payment
Security checks - Nga Taki Whakahaumaru

Higher level Security Clearance is required for this position.

most preferably a New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years, OR
is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last ten (10) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher 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.

Credit check - Tirotiro nama

Please note, given this position is identified as carrying financial risk, the preferred candidate(s) will be required to satisfactorily pass a credit check.


Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamatau Whakapoauau me te Waipiro

Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.

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 Manatu 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 FOR THIS JOB" 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 3 February 2026

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

Follow MPI here - Whaia nga tuhononga ki MPI i konei

Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X