Senior Solicitor

Description

Type : Permanent & Fixed Term

Hours : Full Time

Location : Wellington

Business Group : Enterprise Services – Nuku Toiere

Branch : Legal

Salary : $120,696 – $150,199

Enjoy meaningful mahi with a lot of variety;

Permanent and fixed‑term senior positions available;

Work with a tight‑knit team of lawyers who are passionate about what they do but also like to have a good laugh.

The successful lawyers will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation focused on helping make New Zealand better for New Zealanders.

The mahi at Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs covers a diverse range of topics, and we are committed to helping people grow their areas of interest. No matter what, your day will never be the same. The Department advises on laws and regulations related to gambling, charities, citizenship, anti‑money laundering, digital identity, digital safety, archives and libraries, and local government, to name a few. You can find all the legislation we administer here :

About this role

Our team is expanding! We have a number of senior solicitor roles available, both permanent and fixed‑term. Most of the positions are newly created.

You will report directly to one of the Legal Managers, Fran Rigby or Tania Nedelcheva‑Pearson. Creating a collaborative and supportive working environment for the wider legal team is important to Fran and Tania. They both care about their kaimahi and are invested in their development and seeing their people reach their full potential.

The legal matters you will handle will be of varying size and complexity and will require you to work collaboratively with and provide support to people from a wide range of disciplines within DIA. This may include policy analysts, investigators, project leads, subject matter and technical experts, senior leaders and the Ministers’ offices. Advice could be on legislative projects, regulatory compliance, and enforcement matters. There are opportunities to work, and be the legal lead on major projects.

You will be based in Wellington, able to have a flexible working arrangement and have access to support and development opportunities. You will also work with a tight‑knit team of lawyers who are passionate about their work but also like to have a good laugh.

Te Tari Taiwhenua is committed in supporting our rōia Māori by encouraging participation in Te Kura Huna and joining Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa. Te Tari Taiwhenua also has a large Tangata Whenua Network which provides valuable support and community for our kaimahi.

About you

• Intermediate to senior level post‑admission public law experience with a focus in one or more of the following areas : policy and legislative development; working within regulatory frameworks and supporting the making of robust regulatory decisions; working in operational environments.
• Have proven knowledge and understanding of government processes and the machinery of government.
• Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal savvy.
• Great written and verbal communication skills and the ability to tailor advice for the audience (including senior audiences).
• Comfortable advising on the go, while also recognising and being able to express when something requires more thorough research and analysis.
• Willing to adapt and learn quickly, with a pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach.
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi is important to our work; an understanding of the Crown legal issues relevant to Māori / Crown interactions and relationships, including the application and relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi, is desirable.
• Confidence instructing and managing external providers, including Crown Law and / or Crown Solicitors.
• Interest and ability to effectively mentor and work with junior staff and to work in collaboration with other legal staff.
• New Zealand qualified and admitted with a current practising certificate or the ability to obtain one.

Apply Now

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

We are an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We recognise a diverse workforce contributes to better business outcomes. Te Tari Taiwhenua are 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.

If you are passionate about making a positive difference and want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team, we encourage you to apply today! Applications close on 12pm, 1 December 2025. For a confidential discussion, please contact Tania Nedelcheva‑Pearson at or on .

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