Legal Counsel

• Exciting opportunity to join NZTA’s in-house legal team 

• Bring your commercial legal expertise to a purpose-driven organisation 

• Permanent opportunity located in either Wellington or Auckland 

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

Opportunities within our Legal team don't come along often. With several team members embarking on new adventures, we are seeking two talented lawyers to join our in-house Legal team as Legal Counsel - Commercial, and Senior Legal Counsel – Regulatory. These roles offer the chance to work on complex and meaningful matters that help shape New Zealand's transport system while being part of a collaborative and high-performing team. 

Legal Counsel, Commercial 

We are seeking a Legal Counsel, Commercial to provide legal expertise across commercial, infrastructure, health and safety, technology, privacy and general operations for NZTA.   

In this role, you will advise on a wide range of commercial, contractual and advisory legal matters, collaborating with the Commercial, Legal Team to support strategic objectives and mitigate risk. You’ll play a role in ensuring a consistent approach across commercial operations and in developing strong internal relationships. 

We are looking for someone who is open-minded, solutions focused and able to think outside the box to find new and innovative ways of working. Your exceptional communication skills, ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, and aptitude to focus on the big stuff and provide simple, pragmatic and practical advice will fit well with us. 

We are looking for a lawyer who is a team player, focuses on the right things and someone who gets things done.  

The role would suit someone with a range of commercial legal experience and who is used to dealing with multiple matters at the same time. We are particularly interested in applicants who have 3+ years of post-qualification experience. 

The position description can be seen here. 

Ko koe tēnei | About you  

To be successful in this role, you will bring: 

• The ability to connect effectively with colleagues in an environment where there is overlap between the work that teams do 

• Exceptional standards of accuracy and attention to detail 

• The ability to foster and build relationships 

• A growth mindset, collaborative working style with a strong customer focus 

• An ability to provide proactive and solution-focused advice that is simple, pragmatic and practical 

• Excellent communication and relationship building skills 

• A tertiary qualification in law 

• A current New Zealand Law Society practising certificate 

You'll demonstrate a willingness to understand and engage with Te Ao Māori, support NZTA's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making.  

Ko wai mātou | About us  

At NZTA, we create transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. Te Ama – Commercial and Corporate provides the services that enable NZTA to run efficiently and effectively. 

We also offer:  

• Flexible working arrangements  

• A commitment to professional development and growth  

• An inclusive and supportive team culture  

• The opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure programmes  

• Competitive salary and benefits package 

If you want to join an organisation with a strong transparent culture, where wellbeing is a priority and where your talent and skills are valued, then join us in continuing the make NZTA a great place to work and apply with your CV.