Senior Investigator (Special Programmes)

Job DescriptionJob Title: Senior Investigator (Special Programmes)Role Type: Permanent, Full TimeLocation: Auckland but all North Island main centres consideredSalary Band: GSR D $98,955 to $110,112 depending on skills and experienceAbout the Role - Kōrero mō te TūrangaJoin a skilled team conducting covert operations to disrupt serious offending against Aotearoa's primary industries. Conduct short-term undercover operations and be a key part in MPI's CHIS programme. This role suits someone adaptable, resilient, and confident working in dynamic, high-trust environments. Conduct covert operations targeting serious offending to:

support MPI's confidential human intelligence programmework closely with trusted internal and external partnersTravel up to six days monthly, with flexibility around personal commitments. Short-listed candidates will be required to attend a multi-day assessment centre in Wellington 6-8 September as part of the selection process. About You - MōuTo be considered for this role you will need extensive experience cultivating and operating Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) and preferably have experience as an undercover officer. You will have: extensive experience as an investigator, including conducting interviews, case file management, and exhibit handling.

excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate broadly across a range of stakeholders. Exceptional interpersonal skills, sound judgement and integrity, and high standards of work performance. You must have a current full New Zealand driver licence (not temporary, learner, or provisional) or equivalent full foreign drivers licence, and any endorsements required for the type of driving you'll be doing. You do not need to meet all of 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 RōpūThe Special Programmes Unit is part of the Compliance Investigations and Support Directorate which sits within Corporate Services, and is made up of investigators, investigations analysts and investigations coordinators with diverse professional backgrounds and subject matter expertise. The Compliance Investigations and Support Directorate is responsible for undertaking significant, complex, and novel investigations relating to Acts administered by MPI. We are spread across Auckland, Petone and Christchurch.

About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu MatuaWe'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 Up to 3 additional MPI leave daysAbility to purchase extra annual leaveBi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/framesSecurity checks - Ngā Taki WhakahaumaruHigher level Security Clearancemost preferably a New Zealand citizen who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last ten (10) years, ORis 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 namaPlease 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 - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred candidates(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 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 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 21 August 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please email Sophie. Hallett@mpi. govt. nzFollow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i koneiFacebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X