General Counsel
Wellington City Council
Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō - Working together for Wellington's future
Lead legal and risk functions for Wellington City Council. Communicate effectively, demonstrate strong leadership and drive best practice across the organisation.
We're looking for an experienced enterprise leader to join Wellington City Council as General Counsel. This is a pivotal role responsible for leading our Legal and Risk team - trusted advisors who enable the Council to deliver on its vision through sound legal advice and proactive risk management.
Āu ake mahi - What you'll do
As General Counsel, you will:
- Provide strategic, solutions-focused legal advice across a wide range of matters
- Lead the Council's risk management function, ensuring best practice and strategic oversight
- Manage external legal providers and oversee litigation on behalf of the Council
- Drive initiatives that support strong governance and decision-making across the organisation
- Build and lead a high-performing team that values collaboration, capability development, and continuous improvement
This is an opportunity to influence at the highest level, working closely with elected members, the Chief Executive, and Executive Leadership Team on complex, high-risk, and strategic issues.
Ngā tohu me ngā wheako - Qualifications and experience
You will have a deep understanding of local government legislation and frameworks, with the ability to navigate a wide and varied legal environment. Your experience as a senior people leader will enable you to build capability and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture. You will be confident in providing sound, pragmatic advice that instils trust and supports effective decision-making. As an enterprise leader, you will think strategically across the organisation, influencing outcomes and driving best practice. Strong stakeholder engagement skills, commercial acumen, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery are essential.
Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you
Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.
View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.
Diversity:
We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
Accessibility Support:
We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz
Applications close on Sunday, 25 January 2026. Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Interviews will be held between Friday, 30 January and Thursday, 5 February 2026.
All applications must be submitted online - we will not accept emailed applications.
All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.
If you have questions, please contact Andrea Reeves, Chief Strategy and Finance Officer, andrea.reeves@wcc.govt.nz
