General Manager Courts & Justice Services

This is a rare opportunity to lead policy work at the heart of how New Zealanders experience justice — through our courts, tribunals, legal services and access to justice settings. As General Manager Courts and Justice Services, you will help shape the laws, systems and policy choices that support a fair, trusted and accessible justice system.

At a time when expectations of the justice system are high, this role offers the chance to lead work that is both intellectually demanding and deeply consequential for New Zealanders. The Ministry of Justice is seeking a General Manager, Courts and Justice Services to lead highly capable teams of policy professionals. Sitting within the Policy Group and reporting to the Deputy Secretary Policy, you will be a key member of the Policy Group's management team, helping to shape the Ministry's overall policy direction and the way we work across the justice sector.

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• Lead a talented and committed group of policy professionals, creating the conditions for people to support each other, do high-quality work, and continue to grow as public servants.
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• Steward the strategic direction, performance and capability of the Courts and Justice Services Policy Unit, ensuring resources are aligned to deliver on government, sector and Ministry priorities.
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• Bring clarity and direction to a demanding policy work programme, ensuring Ministers receive practical, timely and well‑judged advice on some of the justice system's most significant issues.
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• Build and maintain trusted relationships with Ministers, senior public sector leaders, the judiciary and key stakeholders to influence outcomes and drive meaningful change.
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• Provide leadership on emerging issues, trends and opportunities that will influence the future of New Zealand's justice system.
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• Champion organisational and system‑wide improvement, encouraging innovation across the Policy Group and wider Ministry.
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• Ensure strong operational and financial management, effective risk oversight and delivery of results that support better outcomes for New Zealanders.
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• Be a strategic and influential leader with a passion for public service and a track record of delivering results in complex environments.
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• Bring sound judgement, resilience and the ability to bring clarity and direction when issues are complex or contested.
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• Know how to build trust with Ministers, colleagues, sector partners and your own team, and be able to get things moving.
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• Have common sense relationship‑management skills, with the ability to build credibility and problem‑solving capacity.
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• Bring experience creating positive, inclusive workplace cultures.
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• Have strong organisational, financial and strategic management capability, coupled with sound judgement and political awareness.
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• Be curious, resilient and have the courage to tackle challenging issues, make difficult decisions and lead through complexity and change.
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If you are motivated by public service, inspired by the opportunity to improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and excited to lead talented people through complex challenges, we'd love to hear from you.