Expression of Interest National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee Location: Member(s) can be based nationwide Expressions of interest sought for: Ministerially appointed member(s) of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, is seeking expressions of interest for member(s) of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC). Appointments are made, for a maximum term of three years, by the Minister of Agriculture who is required to ensure that the committee has knowledge and experience in certain relevant areas. NAWAC is a statutory committee, established under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to provide advice and recommendations to the government minister responsible for animal welfare. This is not a salaried MPI position. MPI will be facilitating the nomination/application process on behalf of the Minister's office. Appointees will be subject to an interview, a background check and must complete a conflict of interest disclosure. The committee's advisory functions include: Providing advice relating to the welfare of animals in New Zealand; Reviewing and recommending codes of welfare; Providing recommendations on legislative proposals including regulations relating to surgical procedures and traps and devices; Identifying areas where animal welfare research is needed; Developing guidelines for the use of traps and devices, and hunting and killing animals in a wild state. You can find more information about NAWAC on their website here, and more information on their functions under Section 57 of the Act. To be eligible, you must: Be able to serve a term of three years; Not be a current employee in the public service; Be willing to disclose any financial, professional, and personal interests which may conflict with the obligations of NAWAC; Be a New Zealand citizen or resident. Further to this, to meet the committee's obligations, committee members come from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines, and have a wide range of experience. You may come from a relevant nominating agency, have lived experience in pastoral and intensive farming systems or work in an adjacent professional field. Ideally, committee members will have expertise in one or more of the following areas, outlined in Section 58 of the Act: Veterinary science; Agricultural science; Animal science; The commercial use of animals; The care, breeding, and management of companion animals (husbandry); Ethical standards and conduct in respect of animals; Animal welfare advocacy; The public interest in respect of animals; Environmental and conservation management. NAWAC meets four times each year in person (typically in Wellington), and occasionally online, if required. A member can expect to spend roughly 20 hours per month on committee business, including meeting preparation. Successful appointees are entitled to reimbursement of travelling expenses and a daily fee of $400 for meeting attendance and meeting preparation. Application process We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. 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 committee, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce. To view the position description and/or apply online, please apply via this advert 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 on 25 August 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please email the Animal Welfare team at animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz
