Legal Advisor/Deputy Registrar - Wellington City
Ministry of Justice
Te Haeata/The opportunity
The Waitangi Tribunal Unit sits within the Ministry of Justice and supports the operations of the Waitangi Tribunal, a permanent commission of inquiry under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. The Tribunal is charged with inquiring into and reporting on claims brought by Māori relating to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and holds a unique place in the New Zealand constitutional framework.
The Legal Advisor/Deputy Registrar provides technical legal leadership within the Registry team to ensure that claimants to the Waitangi Tribunal can have their claims registered and considered appropriately. The Legal Advisor/Deputy Registrar supports the Registrar, and provides legal expertise and advice to staff regarding the registration and handling of claims.
We're looking for someone who is committed to the work of the Waitangi Tribunal, and has the ability to build strong working relationships with members of the judiciary, tribunal members and colleagues across the unit.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and experience
To be successful in the role you will have:
- a Bachelor of Laws degree, alongside eligibility to hold a NZLS practicing certificate, are minimum requirements
- well-developed negotiation, organisational and planning skills
- a solid understanding of Waitangi Tribunal jurisprudence
- expertise in preparing written material of a complex and/or legal nature
- a proven ability to read, understand and interpret complex documents and data, including legislation, statistics, research and analytical reports, scholarly publications, and legal documents
- an enthusiastic approach to coaching and supporting colleagues.
Knowledge of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori, or a desire to develop in this area will be an advantage.
Mō mātou/About us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be.
These include the following:
- 4.4 weeks holiday leave
- flexible work hours where possible
- an online professional development portal
- access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks.
See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $84,562 and $116,273 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/Apply
To apply, click the apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on Monday, 14 July 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz
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