DairyNZ’s story  

Progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming 

Te whanake anamata angitu mō ngā pāmu kau o Aotearoa

At DairyNZ, we’re passionate about delivering great outcomes and creating positive change. We leverage our collective strength by uniting the dairy sector, working alongside farmers to build more sustainable, profitable, and resilient farm businesses. A strong dairy sector means a strong New Zealand.

Your opportunity 

We’re looking for an Economist to join our team and help shape a thriving future for New Zealand dairy farmers. This is your chance to apply high-quality economic thinking in a practical, real-world context; where your analysis will directly inform farm-level decisions, influence policy, and support a more resilient, sustainable, and profitable dairy sector.

As an Economist, you’ll deliver robust, evidence-based insights through research, quantitative and qualitative analysis and commentary. You’ll work across portfolios in a matrix environment, engaging with experts in science, policy, and on-farm practice. Whether you’re translating complex data into clear messaging for farmers, contributing to strategic initiatives, or presenting at rural events; your work will help shape how the sector responds to emerging opportunities and challenges.

You’ll also play a vital role in transferring knowledge to stakeholders across the sector, from industry groups and rural professionals to central and regional government.

Preferred locations Wellington, Newstead, Lincoln or Palmerston North. 

What we’re looking for 

We want someone who can connect economic insight with the realities of farming. You’ll thrive if you bring:

• A degree in economics, agricultural economics, environmental economics, rural finance, or a related discipline (Honours level or higher)
• Experience working in or alongside agricultural policy, with the ability to see both big-picture sector issues and on-farm impact
• Strong communication skills - you’re comfortable presenting to farmers and rural professionals and know how to make the complex make sense
• A background in rural finance or hands-on dairy farming experience - you understand the numbers and the paddock
• Strong skills in data analysis

Benefits that back you from day one 

 We’re serious about supporting your growth, wellbeing, and work-life balance with perks that matter:

• Purpose-driven work: be part of something bigger that truly makes a difference
• More time to recharge: birthday leave, buy extra leave, plus special DairyNZ days off
• Career growth: ongoing training and development designed to help you shine
• Wellbeing support: wellness funds, health programs, and confidential counselling when you need it
• Flexible, family-friendly culture: because life happens outside work too
• Exclusive perks: including Southern Cross Health Insurance and more great benefits

If you’re ready to use your economic expertise to shape the future of New Zealand dairy farming, we want to hear from you!

Check out the full position description for all the details here. Applications close Tuesday, 22 July 2025, at 11:55pm