General Counsel

Overview

• Lead a high-performing in-house legal team
• Shape legal strategy in one of New Zealand’s largest public organisations
• Join a values-driven leadership team

He angitūtanga : The opportunity

As General Counsel, you’ll lead Auckland Council’s multi-disciplinary Legal Services function – a high-performing in-house legal team providing strategic legal services and advice across the organisation, its elected members, council-controlled organisations (excluding Watercare and the Transport CCO), and statutory entities.

You’ll act as Auckland Council’s principal legal adviser and steward of lawful decision-making, supporting the Chief Executive and Governing Body to exercise their statutory powers with integrity and transparency, and in pursuit of the council’s strategic goals.

The role focuses on leading legal strategy and enabling sound accountability for leading the delivery of a high-performing legal service, which includes overseeing legislative compliance, guiding democratic processes, and ensuring governance and decision-making align with both legal and ethical standards.

You’ll also be a key member of the Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office Leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of the Auckland Council Group and helping shape organisation-wide priorities that strengthen trust and confidence in local government.

He kōrero mōu : About you

As a highly respected legal leader with significant experience operating in complex, high-profile organisations — ideally within local government, the wider public sector, or as a senior partner in private practice, you combine deep legal expertise with strategic acumen and a strong understanding of governance, risk, and public accountability.

You’ll bring the ability to form trusted relationships with elected members, senior executives, regulators, and external legal providers, and be adept at influencing and advising with authority and discretion, ensuring that decisions are both legally robust and strategically aligned.

As a people leader, you\'ll inspire confidence, fostering collaboration and professional integrity. You\'ll bring sound judgment, robust communication skills, and the ability to lead effectively in a dynamic and politically nuanced environment.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou : What we offer

This is a rare opportunity to lead the legal function of one of New Zealand’s most complex and high-profile organisations, influencing decisions that shape Auckland’s future.

You’ll join a values-driven leadership team committed to integrity, collaboration, and public service, with the scope to make a lasting impact on how Council governs and delivers for its communities.

The full position description can be viewed.

Applications close Sunday, 2 November 2025

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

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