Senior Solicitor, Public and International law (20 hours per week) - Auckland or Wellington

Our Vision: Preventing Harm. Saving Lives. Securing our Future 

We play a key role in the guardianship of New Zealand waterways. We're bringing together our aroha, work and skills to achieve our outcomes of sustainable supply chains and sectors, safe people and operations, secure ports and ships, and clean 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 thing 

Connect | Kotahitanga - We unite in a common purpose 

Courage | Kia Māia - We are brave, capable and confident  

Mō tō mātou Rōpū - About the team 

Shipping is vital for New Zealand as a trading nation. Maritime New Zealand is the national regulatory, compliance and response agency that looks after the safety, security and environmental protection of our marine environment. New Zealand is party to a number of international conventions covering ship design and construction, safety, search and rescue, security, certification, and marine environment protection. Many of these conventions are implemented into domestic law through legislation that falls within Maritime New Zealand's regulatory ambit. It is therefore essential that we are actively engaged in the development, maintenance, implementation and enforcement of these regulations.

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.

Te tūnga | The role

We are currently looking for a part time (20 hours per week) Senior Solicitor based in Wellington or Auckland, to join our public and international law practice, working closely with both the in-house legal team and external legal providers. For this role we are looking for an experienced public law specialist keen to broaden their experience and apply their skillset within the maritime law framework. In return, you will have the opportunity to work with a passionate team committed to helping keep Aoteoroa's marine environment safe, clean and secure.

Nōu te rourou | What you bring 

• A Bachelor of Laws or higher;

• Admission as Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a current practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one);

• A minimum of 5 years plus post-admission experience;

• Demonstrated ability to interpret legislation and apply common law principles to relevant functions and obligations under a law framework;

• Sound public law knowledge and experience with proven skills in researching and preparing legal opinions;

• Sound knowledge of or interest in international law and legislative drafting;

• Experience in maritime law, regulation, or international law would be an advantage.

Mōu | For you

Maritime NZ 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. 

Upon joining us you'll receive a full range of benefits including Income Protection and Life Insurance so check out our full range on our careers page to find out more about why we love working here

How to Apply

Please apply on-line directly through the Maritime NZ website by going to Careers at Maritime NZ. Here you can upload your CV and cover letter. For tracking and evaluation purposes, all applications must be submitted via our on-line process.

This role is for a permanent, part time (20 hours per week) Senior Solicitor and has an appointing range of $115,455 - $141,112 (pro-rata) depending on skills and experience.

For any other enquiries please contact Jo Attewell on jo.attewell@maritimenz.govt.nz.

Applications for this role close on Monday 30 September 2024

Please note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.