Rōia ā-Tari / Solicitor

\n Kōrero mō te tūranga -About the role\n

If you're the sort of lawyer who enjoys getting into the detail, loves solving complex legal puzzles, and finds land law more interesting than most, we'd love to hear from you.

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We are seeking an early in career solicitor to join our legal team and support our Property Rights function. You will play a key role in helping maintain New Zealand's world-class land registration system. Our work sits at the intersection of law, public service, and property rights, helping to maintain confidence in how land interests are created, dealt with, and protected across Aotearoa.

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This isn't your typical property law role. You may already know about easements and covenants, but what about adverse possession or accretion? If those are new to you, that's okay - what matters most is curiosity, sound legal judgement, and a willingness to learn. The work is varied, technical, and often novel - the kind of legal problem-solving that keeps property law interesting.

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You’ll work alongside experienced land law specialists who genuinely enjoy what they do and are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Whether you're early in your legal career or already developing a property law interest, you'll receive the support, coaching, and mentoring needed to build deep expertise in a highly specialised area of law.

What you’ll be doing\n

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• Providing legal advice and analysis to LINZ staff on land registration and property law issues.
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• Responding to customer enquiries with information about land transfer processes.
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• Supporting decision-making that helps maintain the integrity of New Zealand's land transfer register.
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• Interpreting and applying legislation, including the Land Transfer Act and related property legislation.
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• Working closely with colleagues across Property Rights to solve complex and novel legal issues.
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• Contributing to guidance, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the team and wider Property Rights group.
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• Learning more than you ever thought you would about land law in New Zealand.
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This is a permanent, full-time role based in Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch. We are open to considering flexible working arrangements, including part-time hours.

He pūkenga tou -Skills & Experience\n

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• Holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or above, is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and holds, or is eligible to hold, a New Zealand practising certificate.
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• Has strong legal research, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
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• Can communicate complex legal concepts clearly and in plain English.
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• Enjoys learning and is curious about how the law works in practice.
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• Understands the importance of Crown-Māori relationships and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and is interested in how these apply in a legal and public service context.
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• Is motivated by public service and the opportunity to contribute to work that supports good decision-making, public value, and positive outcomes for our customers.
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This role would suit a junior lawyer with strong legal fundamentals and a willingness to learn. Experience with property law and/or knowledge of the Land Transfer Act 2017 is an advantage, but not essential.

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The annual full-time salary range for this role is $81,912 to $105,068 depending on skills and experience.

Ngā mea e tukuna ana e tātau - What we offer our employees\n

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• Interesting work which impacts Aotearoa as we care for whenua, moana and arawai.
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• Wellbeing allowance reimbursement.
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• Ability to purchase additional leave.
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• Annual Flu Vaccinations.
Reduced Health Insurance Premiums.\n
• Diverse groups and networks.
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• If eligible for paid parental leave, you will be entitled to a top up payment for the first 18 weeks of the 26 weeks.
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• A minimum of four weeks and three days annual leave.
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Te Tākinatanga -Our Story\n

Toitū Te Whenua plays a vital role in understanding, developing, and caring for New Zealand's whenua, moana and arawai (land, sea and waterways). Whether you're developing our products and services to support our customers, managing the Crown estate, engaging with our iwi partners, or helping us be an effective regulator, your contribution can make a difference. Our mahi helps New Zealanders have confidence that the development of our land, communities and country is being planned from an informed and expert position that balances environmental, social, cultural, and economic considerations, now and for future generations.

Our Kia Toipoto Intentions - Public Service Gender, Māori, Pacific and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan\n

Toitū Te Whenua is a diverse team of individuals with different experience and perspectives. This drives our culture and high performance. We know that people from underrepresented groups and women in particular don't apply for roles if they're not a 100% match, but we're not looking for perfection, we're looking for potential. As an inclusive and supportive employer, we value difference and want to encourage anyone interested to apply, regardless of whether you tick all the boxes or not. As an organisation we embrace diversity, encourage work-life balance and have a flexible approach to the way we work which means you will quickly feel connected and valued.

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You must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.

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