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We know that our future will be driven by talented, passionate people who learn from and spark off each other, and who are empowered to achieve more.

Working at AgResearch

We are committed to attracting and retaining people of the highest calibre, with many of our scientists leading the world in their field. The significance of the work we do, along with our reputation for excellence and our clear sense of purpose, are all driving factors in the global recognition our scientists receive.

We have over 650 staff at campuses across Aotearoa New Zealand, in Manawatū, Canterbury, Waikato and Otago. AgResearch offers a whanau-friendly environment, supporting our people to maintain a work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements.

Benefits of working for AgResearch

We care about our people’s health and well-being and offer a range of benefits to make sure our people feel supported and enjoy being part of the AgResearch team, including:  

• Five weeks of annual leave each year, with an opportunity to purchase up to three additional weeks annually
• Life and Income protection insurance of up to 1x annual base salary and income protection of up to 75% of base salary for up to two years
• Subsidised Southern Cross Medical Insurance
• Biennial eye tests and subsidy for eyewear up to $400 every two years through Specsavers.
• Free flu injections annually
• Subsidised gym memberships with partnering universities
• Access to special offers and privileges through selected retailers through our My Boost app
• Access to onsite and offsite workplace support professionals for advice or counselling for you and your whanau
• Free mole and skin checks for employees who regularly work outdoors.
• Our Early Career Group (ECG) is an inclusive AgResearch community for those starting their science careers to share ideas and expertise, provide career support, create opportunities for professional and personal development, discuss career progression, and network with Crown Research Institutes.
• Learning and development opportunities to continue your career growth
• Salary top-up for 16 weeks to eliminate financial pressures during those first few months while parents are on parental leave.

AgResearch’s four locations, spread across Aotearoa New Zealand, are designed to balance our national and regional science priorities as well as make the most of opportunities to co-locate with our research partners.

Science roles.

We play a key role in delivering new knowledge and technologies to support the agricultural sector. Our Science Areas are interconnected and help create smart, sustainable farming sustems, and the most sought-after food and bio-products in the world. We're always keen to hear from talented people looking for their next role. 

We play a key role in delivering new knowledge and technologies to support the agricultural sector. Our science areas are interconnected and help create smart, sustainable farming systems, and the most sought-after food and bio-products in the world.

Support roles.

Our scientists are supported by talented people working in other areas such as farm management and corporate services. This work is vital to keep our research moving. 

Support areas

We have many talented people working in support areas such as:

• Partnerships
• Finance & Business Performance
• Information Technology Services
• Library & Knowledge Services
• People & Culture
• Site Services
• Communications & Marketing
• Health, Safety & Environment

Internships and Scholarships

Annually, AgResearch offers development opportunities for students whose studies focus on the agriculture or agri-food sectors.

Current vacancies

Search and apply for job opportunities at AgResearch.

Get in touch with our team

Send an email to one of our team or  check out our facilities  located across Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Careers at Manaaki Whenua

In this section, our purpose, our strategy.

• Our locations
• Our structure

Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi

Our sustainability policy.

• Our Guiding Philosophy

Our careers portal

Māori summer internships 2023-24, university partnerships, meet our staff, moving to aotearoa new zealand.

• Biological Heritage National Science Challenge

Why Manaaki Whenua

Our Land, Our Future is the core of our being. Our research focuses on preserving New Zealand's rich biodiversity by improving biosecurity and keeping our environment healthy.

We have teams based in the South Island at Lincoln (near Christchurch), and Dunedin, and in the North Island at Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Wellington.

Our skill in soil and biosecurity research is recognised internationally and by organisations within New Zealand. Pest eradication expertise led by our researchers is now considered an export industry for Aotearoa New Zealand.

We recognise that modern science cannot be worked on in isolation. Our partnerships with Māori allow us to embrace a holistic approach to bring knowledge, understanding and practical tools to all New Zealanders so we can live in harmony with our environment.

Who we are and what we stand for

Manaaki Whenua’s culture is what sets us apart. Manaaki Whenua embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone is valued for their unique contribution. Manaaki Whenua is committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, incorporating these principles into our aspirations, strategies and working practices.

As an employee of Manaaki Whenua, you will work with passionate and talented people in a welcoming and inclusive environment and enjoy good staff benefits and the opportunity for personal growth and career development.

• Superannuation matched up to 6%
• 4 weeks, 4 days annual leave
• Paid parental leave for both primary caregivers and partners
• Enhanced sick leave package
• Additional paid holidays over the Christmas period
• Professional development opportunities
• Branded clothing.

Staff wellbeing:

• Flexible working
• Employee assistance programme
• Manaaki Tangata, our in-house wellbeing programme
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Income maintenance and life insurance
• Discounted health insurance
• Banking packages & financial health checks.

These benefits are current as at April 2024 and may change/evolve over time.

For those applying from overseas, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research is a New Zealand Immigration Accredited Employer.

Diversity & inclusion

Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research is committed to developing a diverse and an inclusive workplace. We believe this is the right thing to do, but we also believe it is a worthwhile strategy that makes our organisation stronger and more capable through building on our diversity of thinking, enabling us to better understand the needs of our stakeholders and people and respond effectively to them. An inclusive environment means the diverse perspectives we have are more likely to be expressed, heard, and acted on.

As an Equal Employment Opprotunity (EEO) employer, Maanki Whenua – Landcare Research is commited to promoting equal opportunities for its employee.

Manaaki Whena – Landcare Research is commited to cultivating a workplace environment rooted in diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are dedicated to ensuring equal access to opportunities and fair treatment for all employees throughout every aspect in the workplace (e.g. in access to, consideration for, and encouragement in recruitment, selection, promotion, conditions of employment, training and career development) regardless of differences among our employees (e.g. due to race, colour, gender, age, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, religious or ethical beliefs, employment status, family status or political or other organisation affiliation). Our aim is to create an atmosphere where all employees feels a sense of belonging, contributing to a harmonious and dynamic workplace where each individual’s unique qualities are embraced and celebrated.

Science for our land and our future

To help achieve our science ambitions, we have established a set of strategic goals.

Our policy states the commitments made by Manaaki Whenua in those areas that are considered important (material) by internal and external...

Manaaki Whenua commits to upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi as defined by the courts and the Waitangi Tribunal, and reaf...

Discover the diverse and exciting roles at New Zealand’s foremost environmental research organisation

Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa | Welcome to New Zealand. As you start your journey to life in Aotearoa, there are many things to do.

Manaaki Whenua career opportunities

Current vacancies are listed on the Science New Zealand careers portal. The Science New Zealand portal will also allow you to set up Job...

Open to tauira Māori in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd or final year at University or Wānanga looking to grow their skills and career pathways in Mā...

Manaaki Whenua partners with universities to provide opportunities for students to work with our scientists.

Celebrating the achievements of our people

• Celebrating our achievements

Anne Sutherland, James Shepherd, David Pairman (LUM team); Dan Richards (Early Career Researcher), Stella Belliss (LUM team), Chris Phill...

Kara Scally-Irvine (iPEN impact and evaluation specialist), Ross Laurence (iPEN Chair, Maanaki Whenua) and Sue Bidrose (iPEN sponsor, AgR...

Dr Al Glen and Dr Manpreet Dhami Al Glen and Manpreet Dhami have been appointed to the School of Biological Sciences, University of Auck...

Maksym Polyakov A recent paper co-authored by Dr Maksym Polyakov and colleagues from the University of Western Australia, ‘Do protected ...