New Zealand Food Safety Intern Programme 2026-2027
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand · Contract
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- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- —
- Openings
- 3
- Posted
- 4 days ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Bachelor's or higher (science/health disciplines)
- Eligibility
- Open to students studying for Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degrees in New Zealand in relevant scientific and health fields who can legally work in New Zealand and are available full time during the internship.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Overview
The New Zealand Food Safety Intern Programme offers a unique summer opportunity for individuals passionate about food safety to gain practical, paid work experience within the public sector. The programme runs for approximately three months from November 2026 to February 2027, with exact dates to be confirmed. Positions are based in Wellington, where interns will work full-time (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday) on a fixed-term contract with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Programme Details
Interns will be assigned to one of the following directorates where they will contribute to meaningful projects and receive guidance from subject matter experts:
- Food Risk Management: Develops regulations and standards for food production, processing, importing, and exporting; monitors emerging food safety risks and manages compliance to safeguard public health.
- Food Science & Risk Assessment: Conducts research and provides technical advice, including risk-based assessments, nutrition, labelling, and food composition to manage human health risks related to food.
- Assurance: Ensures food safety and compliance with regulatory and market requirements in New Zealand's food safety systems, animal products, plants, wine, organic systems, and exported goods.
Candidate Profile
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programme in New Zealand in fields such as microbiology, toxicology, biomedical science, food technology, food science, nutrition, biochemistry, chemistry, horticulture, environmental/public health, or veterinary sciences.
- Strong interest in food safety and New Zealand's food system.
- Ideally in their final year or about to begin their final year of study following the internship.
- Available for full-time work in Wellington from mid-November 2026 to mid-February 2027, excluding the Christmas/New Year holiday period.
- Eligible to work in New Zealand or able to obtain the right to work.
Work Environment and Skills
Applicants should thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic setting, demonstrate flexibility, and be effective communicators with strong problem-solving capabilities, exceptional attention to detail, and an aptitude for building solid working relationships.
About New Zealand Food Safety and MPI
New Zealand Food Safety leads the regulatory and assurance systems protecting the country's food economy and public health. MPI partners with the food and fibre sector to deliver trusted, high-quality food products domestically and internationally, supporting innovation and global confidence in New Zealand exports.
Application Process
- Application window: 24 July to 9 August 2026.
- Interviews (online): scheduled for early to mid-September 2026.
- Job offers extended: early October 2026.
- Programme start: mid-November 2026.
Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their background, values, motivation, skills, and unique perspectives, along with a CV and academic transcript. MPI is committed to inclusivity and accessibility throughout the hiring process. For questions, contact Olivia Murphy at Olivia.Murphy@mpi.govt.nz.