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), we’re passionate about growing a thriving, sustainable horticulture industry that feeds New Zealand and the world. We represent over 4,300 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. You’ll 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 relationships—working closely with growers, product groups, local and central government decision-makers, and other primary sector organisations. You’ll bring excellent relationship management skills and genuine enthusiasm for supporting New Zealand’s 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 work–life balance. You’ll 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. You’ll 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):

https://www.hortnz.co.nz/assets/Jobs-and-labour/Work-for-us/Final_May-2026_HortNZ-PD_Environmental-Policy-Advisor.pdf

Things to note

Applications close at midnight on 10 June 2026
We will only accept applications through our internal Applicant 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 HR@hortnz.co.nz.

Horticulture New Zealand

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Environmental Policy Advisor