Senior Solicitor

About Us | Mō mātou    

The legal mahi at Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs spans so many areas, for example gambling regulation (including online gambling), anti-money laundering, digital identity, charities, National Library and Archives, life events (births, deaths, marriages and civil unions), citizenships, ministerial services, and inquiry support to name a few. 

The role | Te tūnga   

Our Legal Services team is continuing to grow, creating opportunities for experienced public law solicitors to join a collaborative, supportive team that also enjoys a laugh. We have three opportunities available: one permanent position, one fixed-term position until June 2027 supporting the team's continued growth, and one fixed-term position until August 2027 covering parental leave.

Working across a diverse portfolio, you'll provide trusted legal advice on regulatory, operational and legislative matters, partnering closely with policy and business teams across the Department. You'll engage with Crown Solicitors, Crown Law and the Parliamentary Counsel Office, while also contributing to significant projects that help shape services and legislation impacting New Zealanders. 

Your will report to either Fran Rigby or Tania Nedelcheva-Pearson. Fran and Tania work closely together to create a positive and high-performing team culture. They care about their kaimahi and are committed to support people to reach their full potential. 

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

• 5+ years’ post-admission experience (intermediate to senior) preferably acquired in a public law environment with a focus in one or more of the following areas:
  
  
  
  • working within regulatory and operational frameworks and supporting the making of robust regulatory decisions
  
  
  • policy and legislative development
  
  
  • general public law
  
  


• If you have some commercial experience that will be a bonus (but is not essential)


• Have proven knowledge and understanding of government processes and the machinery of government


• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, written and verbal communication and interpersonal savvy


• Comfortable being able to advise on the go, while also recognising when something may require more thorough research and analysis


• Willing to adapt and learn, and have a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach


• Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi is important to the legal team’s work, so an interest in Māori/ Crown relations and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is desirable


• NZ qualified with a current practising certificate or the ability to obtain one

For you | Mōu 

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while also being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo. We recognise that great work looks different for everyone and support ways of working that enable our people to perform at their best.  

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/ 

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz 

The appointing range for this role is $120,696 - $150,199. 

To review the full job description, please click here. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono 

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application. 

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.  

Applications for this role close 5pm, Monday 24 August 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role. 

Please advise on your cover letter, which opportunity you are applying for. If you have any questions, please email Tania Nedelcheva–Pearson - [email protected].