Solicitor - Litigation and Operations

About Us Mō mātou | About UsOur Vision: Preventing Harm. Saving Lives. Securing our FutureWe play a key role in the guardianship of NewZealand waterways.We're bringing together our aroha, work and skills to achieve our outcomes ofsustainablesupply chains and sectors,safepeople and operations,secure ports and ships, andclean seas and waterways.Our values are about who we are as individuals and the behaviours we expect from each other at Maritime NZ.Care|Kia Tika - We care for each other and do the right thingConnect|Kotahitanga - We unite in a common purposeCourage|Kia Māia - We are brave, capable and confidentMō tō mātou Rōpū - About the teamThe Regulatory Frameworks and Technical Support Group plays a central role in shaping and delivering Maritime NZ’s strategic goals. It influences the maritime regulatory system both internationally and domestically, and leads the end‑to‑end development of the framework — from planning and policy through to implementation.Within this group, our legal team manages a diverse range of commercial, enforcement, and public law (including international) matters, providing a broad range of legal services to assist MNZ in achieving safe, secure and clean seas including: public law advice on the exercise of statutory functions and powers, international law advice, legal drafting of maritime and marine protection rules, legal opinion work, contract, procurement and property law advice, and conducting and managing litigation. The role As a Solicitor within our Litigation and Operations team, you'll play a key role in providing high-quality legal advice that supports informed decision-making across the organisation. Working on a diverse and intellectually challenging range of matters, you'll advise on the exercise of statutory powers and functions, investigations, prosecutions and other litigation, regulatory and policy development, and information law. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders at all levels, providing practical and reliable legal guidance that helps Maritime NZ deliver on its regulatory responsibilities. The role offers the opportunity to manage litigation matters, instruct and work alongside Crown Solicitors and external legal providers, contribute to significant regulatory action, and represent Maritime NZ in court proceedings, coronial inquiries, and other legal forums. Beyond day-to-day legal advisory work, you'll support the development of legal capability across the organisation by reviewing legal work, sharing knowledge, and delivering training. There may also be opportunities to contribute to international maritime law initiatives, attend regional and international forums, and help shape legal frameworks that give effect to NewZealand's international maritime obligations. What you bring This role requires a qualified and capable legal professional who can provide pragmatic, high-quality legal advice within a complex regulatory environment. You'll bring strong analytical and relationship-building skills, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. You'll be proactive, adaptable, and committed to delivering excellent outcomes, while contributing positively to the wider Legal Services team and Maritime NZ's strategic objectives. You will ideally be based in Wellington, but we are also open to Auckland for the right person. Bachelor of Laws or higher Admission as Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of NewZealand with preferably 3-4 years of post‑admission experience Hold a current practising certificate (or currently eligible to hold a practising certificate) Ability to obtain an in‑house prosecutor classification (Level 1 or higher) Demonstrated ability to interpret legislation and apply common law principles to relevant functions and obligations under Maritime law framework Sound Public Law knowledge and experience with proven skills in researching and preparing legal opinions, and managing and conducting litigation Proven experience and knowledge of regulatory and/or policy design Sound knowledge of and interest in International Law and legislative drafting Experience in transport law and/or maritime, environmental, security and health & safety issues Experience in providing legal advice in a public sector legal team with a sound knowledge of the public sector regulatory environment, including experience with government policy processes and drafting instructions or providing advice for the development of legislation Highly developed analytical and problem solving skills Willingness to participate in international fora Proactive approach with sound judgement, professionalism and integrity including a well‑established track record of building and maintaining professional relationships Excellent written and verbal communication skills Sound computer literacy – including well developed skills in applying core MicrosoftSuite For you MaritimeNZ recognises and respects te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with Māori to build strong, meaningful and enduring relationships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. We aim to be a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported with a sense of belonging. We encourage our people to actively contribute to our workplace culture where we all thrive and authentically live our values. Income Protection Life Insurance Applications for this role close 5pm, Sunday23 August2026. Please note that you must have the legal right to live and work in NewZealand to be considered for this role. This is a permanent, full‑time role (37.5 hour per week). The appointing salary range is $101,769 - $124,124, depending on skills and experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr