Kaupapa Māori Rōia/Lawyer (Intermediate/Senior)
YouthLaw Aotearoa
YouthLaw Aotearoa strives for a fair and just Aotearoa where the rights of tamariki and rangatahi are respected and their voices are heard. Recognised as an innovative specialist in children’s rights, YouthLaw Aotearoa is continuing to build a new approach to how we deliver legal services.
The approach brings together two threads:
- Korowai Tūakiri – a framework for legal services grounded in kaupapa Māori values, tikanga Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- A new operational model designed around community partnerships, capability building and systemic change.
The Kaupapa Māori Rōia is a crucial member of the team responsible for building this new approach. You will help YouthLaw Aotearoa to develop, pilot and scale this new approach.
About us:
YouthLaw Aotearoa is the only legal service in Aotearoa exclusively for tamariki and rangatahi. We provide youth centred information, advice, training and support to empower children and young people under 25, their whanau, and those working with them.
We are a national service based in Manukau. Our team of 10 work with a clear sense of direction and purpose. We are supported by an empowering board and dedicated team of volunteers. We have a strong reputation amongst stakeholders, with a clear willingness to innovate (for example, see our recently launched civics project – www.waha.org.nz).
As one of 24 community law centres, YouthLaw is connected to a large network of colleagues and communities, including Ngā Kaiāwhina Hāpori Māori o te Ture (our thriving Tangata Whenua caucus).
This role is part of a broader kaupapa. 15 Community Law Centres across Aotearoa have been funded to establish kaupapa Māori legal services. The initiative is supported by our national body, including 3FTEs in senior support roles to ensure the kaupapa is sustainable and a real success
About the role:
This is a unique opportunity for an intermediate or senior lawyer who wants to increase access to justice for rangatahi Māori, their whanau, and the communities who support them.
It is a multifaceted and rewarding role – combining legal excellence and strategic thinking to change how YouthLaw Aotearoa provides legal services to rangatahi Māori. Working in partnership with iwi and youth sector organisations, you will help to design and implement a model which puts legal expertise in the hands of passionate youth professionals who work closely with rangatahi Māori and their whānau. You will work within that model to provide high quality legal services to rangatahi Māori.
This is a leadership role. It will suit an intermediate lawyer ready to take the next step in their career or a senior lawyer looking for an exciting new challenge.
We have a strong commitment to the success of our people and this kaupapa. We are open to structuring this role different ways for candidates who believe in the kaupapa:
- Full-time and part-time options are available (fulltime preferred)
- Significant mentoring and support are available to intermediate lawyers looking to level up
- Senior lawyers looking for a fixed term project are also welcome to apply
Skills and experience:
- The successful applicant will have:
- 4+ years PQE
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to apply its principles in practice.
- Cultural competence and confidence in engaging with Māori communities
- Understanding of te reo me ōna tikanga Māori
- Strong commitment to social justice and improving access to justice.
- Leadership skills and experience
Litigation and dispute resolution experience is preferred. You will be working with rangatahi and youth workers to resolve legal problems, many of which involve government organisations.
How to apply:
To apply please forward a covering letter and CV. Applications close on 12 June 2026.
You can download this Job Description at https://tinyurl.com/jdkmroia
If you would like to discuss this role confidentially, please contact: info@youthlaw.co.nz ATTN: General Manager.
