Job Description
Veterinarian (Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2)
Role type: Permanent, 80 hour fortnight
Location: Te Kuiti Meat Processors (50 km south of Te Awamutu)
Salary band & range: VTS Salary Range 9: $97,680 to $122,100
Starting salary will depend on skills and experience of the successful applicant.
In addition to salary, we offer overtime, penal time and shift allowances.
About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga
Are you looking for a new adventure? Become a Veterinary Technical Supervisor 2 in Te Kuiti, a land of lush pastures within the Mighty Waikato!
Waikato region offers a wealth of nature-based activities and attractions surrounding a vibrant city hub, Hamilton (an hour's drive from Te Kuiti). Whether you enjoy underground adventures, water activities, or high-altitude experiences, Waikato has it all. Just 20 minutes from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Te Kuiti, known as the “Sheep Shearing Capital of the World,” offers a beautiful rural lifestyle in New Zealand.
This role within New Zealand Food Safety, Verification Services, involves providing food safety, animal welfare, and biosecurity verification and certification services at Te Kuiti Meat Processors (ME104). You will support the meat industry and uphold New Zealand's reputation in the global red meat market by ensuring compliance with food safety and export standards.
Te Kuiti Meat Processors is a Bobby Calf, Sheep, and Goat processing plant located in Te Kuiti, approximately 1 hour from Hamilton and 40 minutes from Te Awamutu.
The position covers day and night shifts with an atypical shift pattern promoting work-life balance. The general rotation is 2.5 days on and 2.5 days off, with penal rates for weekend work. An example shift pattern is:

Week 1 & 2: alternating days and nights as per schedule

Responsibilities include:

Undertaking verification activities in line with legislation and organizational requirements to issue official assurances
Verifying compliance with requirements and procedures
Providing certification for animal meat exports
Conducting ante-mortem inspections and providing judgments on post-mortem inspections
Ensuring animal welfare standards are maintained
Engaging with farming communities and participating in on-farm verification
Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including meatworks personnel and veterinary colleagues

You will receive comprehensive technical training prior to certification under relevant legislation, along with ongoing on-site training, mentoring, and support.
About You - Mōu
The successful candidate will:

Be a registered New Zealand Veterinarian (or eligible for registration with VCNZ)
Hold a full NZ driver’s license (or equivalent foreign license with necessary endorsements)
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and analytical reasoning
Demonstrate integrity, trust, ethics, resilience, adaptability, and openness
Have experience in persuading, influencing, teamwork, planning, and organizing
Be computer literate, proficient in standard and specialized software including Word, Excel, email, and internet
Knowledge of HACCP/Quality Assurance in Food Safety is advantageous but will be covered in training

Note: A current full NZ driver’s license or equivalent is required, along with any endorsements for your driving activities.
About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū
Reporting to the Team Manager Establishment Waikato, this role is part of the Verification Services directorate, supporting market access strategies and standards through food safety and biosecurity verification and certification.
About MPI - Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua
Our role includes seizing export opportunities, improving productivity, ensuring food safety, promoting sustainable resource use, and protecting New Zealand from biological risks. Learn more about the Ministry.
Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

Professional membership and annual practicing certificate reimbursement
Annual Wellness payment
Additional MPI leave days

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro
This safety-sensitive position requires pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. More details are available on our careers site.
Ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working with iwi, hapū, whānau, and hāpori. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Please include in your cover letter your values, motivations, strengths, and perspectives, including those gained outside the workforce.
To apply, visit the MPI Careers Site or click “Apply”. You must have the right to work in NZ or be eligible for a visa. Applications close at 11:59 pm on Monday, 19 May 2025.
For questions, email Luke. Farrell@mpi.govt.nz
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