Environmental Policy Advisor

Environmental Policy Advisor

• Focused on evidence-based advocacy and solutions to policy challenges
• Career opportunity to influence complex policy challenges and implementation
• Flexible working environment Wellington based

About us

At Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) were passionate about growing a thriving sustainable horticulture industry that feeds New Zealand and the world. We represent over 4300 commercial fruit and vegetable growers advocating for a thriving sustainable horticulture industry. Our vision is to create an enduring environment where growers thrive delivering healthy food for all forever.

We advocate for growers influence policy and support innovation across the sector.

Join a future-focused organisation where your contribution will make a tangible impact on the wellbeing of our growers the environment the economy and communities.
About the role
HortNZ is looking for a motivated Environmental Policy Advisor to join the Policy and Advocacy Team. The Policy and Advocacy Team is responsible for scanning future risks coordinating pan-sector responses and advocating to influence current and future policy settings relevant to horticulture. The team responds to and advocates for policy at national and local levels on behalf of growers.

This role spans a wide and interesting mix of national portfolios including resource management reform climate change natural hazards freshwater land policy energy infrastructure and biodiversity. Youll contribute to robust evidence-based advocacy and submissions where policy decisions have critical implications for horticulture.

You will play a lead role representing growers in some district and regional planning processes requiring a working knowledge of the Resource Management Act and/or the incoming resource management system. You will be supported by an experienced team to scope evidence write submissions and present at hearings and mediations.

A key part of the role is building and maintaining strong relationshipsworking closely with growers product groups local and central government decision-makers and other primary sector organisations. Youll bring excellent relationship management skills and genuine enthusiasm for supporting New Zealands commercial fruit and vegetable growers.

About you

• A relevant tertiary qualification in resource management planning law political science environmental science geography or experience in a related field
• Proven experience working in primary industries planning and/or environmental policy
• Strong research and writing skills including preparing policy and planning submissions for government audiences
• Ability to translate complex policy into plain language
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects
• Confident public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to organise and facilitate grower meetings as policy issues arise
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically.

HortNZ has a collegial relaxed and high-performing culture with genuine flexibility to support worklife balance. Youll work alongside passionate talented people and have strong opportunities for development including involvement in annual business planning.

The role offers variety spanning policy science and implementation.

This is a hands-on position. Youll be expected to immerse yourself in the sector get out of the office and visit growers around the country.

This is a full-time permanent position based in Wellington.

Position description

To view the position description copy below the link below and paste in a different browser (if viewing directly from seek):

to note

• Applications close at midnight on 10 June 2026
• We will only accept applications through our internalApplicant Tracking System (BambooHR).
• Applicants for this position should have New Zealand residency/citizenship or a valid New Zealand work visa.
• We reserve the right to close the advertisement and interviews early if we receive enough applications for the role.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process. We would like to thank all applicants for considering Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) as a potential employer.

Further information

If you have any specific questions about the role please contact .

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority