Senior Solicitor

Make a meaningful contribution to an organisation that is focused on helping to make New Zealand better for New Zealanders.

The legal mahi at Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs spans so many areas, for example gambling regulation (including online gambling), anti-money laundering, digital identity, charities, National Library and Archives, life events (births, deaths, marriages and civil unions), citizenships, ministerial services, and inquiry support to name a few. You can find their full legislation portfolio that they administer here: https://www.dia.govt.nz/About-Internal-Affairs---Our-portfolios---Legislation

There are two positions available:

• 1 permanent
• 1 fixed term until mid-2027

Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role

The legal team are committed to helping people grow in their areas of interest, so that will impact the make-up of the work, but no matter what, your day will never be the same.

You will report to Fran Rigby, Manager Legal Services. Fran works closely with the other Manager Legal Services, Tania Nedelcheva-Pearson. Creating a collaborative and supportive working environment is important to them. They care about their kaimahi and are invested in their people reaching their full potential. The team is tight-knit and passionate about their work but also like to have a good laugh.

The legal matters you handle will be of varying size and complexity. You will engage with policy analysts and investigators, advise on both regulatory and legislative matters, and liaise with Crown Solicitors, Crown Law, and Parliamentary Counsel Office. There will be opportunities to get involved in big projects too.

This role is full-time, but flexible work arrangements may be available by agreement

Te Tari Taiwhenua are committed in supporting their rōia Māori by encouraging participation in Te Kura Huna and membership of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa. Te Tari Taiwhenua also has a large Tangata Whenua Network.

Mōhou ake | About you

• 5+years’ post-admission experience (intermediate to senior) preferably acquired in a public law environment with a focus in one or more of the following areas:
  
  - working within regulatory and operational frameworks and supporting the making of robust regulatory decisions
  - policy and legislative development
  - general public law
  
  
• If you have some commercial experience that will be a bonus (but is not essential)
• Have proven knowledge and understanding of government processes and the machinery of government
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, written and verbal communication and interpersonal savvy
• Comfortable being able to advise on the go, while also recognising when something may require more thorough research and analysis
• Willing to adapt and learn, and have a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi is important to the legal team’s work, so an interest in Māori/ Crown relations and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is desirable
• NZ qualified with a current practising certificate or the ability to obtain one

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

Working at Te Tari Taiwhenua, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of New Zealanders.

Robert Walters is exclusively managing the recruitment of these positions. Apply now. Or, for a confidential discussion contact Apryl Burgess +64 27 816 9899 | apryl.burgess@robertwalters.co.nz or Julia Koning +64 21 206 0814 | julia.koning@robertwalters.co.nz. Applications close 13 April 2026 at 9am but we encourage you to submit an application prior if you are interested.

DIA are committed to doing their part to deliver on the Crown's commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They strive to actively build te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into their day-to-day work, values and practices. They are also an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion; committed to creating a workplace where all kaimahi have equal access. If you require any additional support throughout the recruitment process, please let our consultants know.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Apryl Burgess on +6444719721.