Principal Solicitor

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values :

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

The purpose of the Principal Solicitor position is to support the work of Legal Services by providing strategic and operational legal advice across the organisation. This will predominately be in the youth justice space.

The Principal Solicitor provides insight and advice on a range of issues that are often complex. They will facilitate effective solutions to urgent or ongoing issues and maintains effective working relationships with people within Oranga Tamariki and a range of relevant external organisations. They will support to embed and provide advice on legislative changes in the organisation and represent the Chief Executive in court when required. They will assist the organisation to successfully implement change through high-level, strategic legal advice and practical legal leadership.

Key responsibilities include :

• Provide high quality legal insight, advice and support across the organisation on a range of strategic, operational and organisational issues. This will predominately be in the youth justice space.
• Embed and implement new legislation and maintain oversight of this to determine risk and take action to minimise that risk
• Identify and assess the need for training and education across the organisation and to help develop and deliver tailored training where necessary

What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

• Senior legal experience in the youth justice space
• Experience appearing in Court on complex legal matters
• Experience providing advice on complex legislative matters
• A breadth of experience working in high pressured working environments.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to find innovative solutions to significant and challenging problems
• Experience leading in a complex environment on matters often involving risk
• Skilled in relationship management
• Experience in overseeing and running legal training
• Be naturally collaborative and influential and enjoy working with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Have an understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues, in particular knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga and te ao Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• A requirement of this role is to hold a practising certificate.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $147,010 and $162,887 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit