Litigation Support Officer

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Dunedin; Hybrid; NZD 57,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A New Zealand children’s ministry is seeking a Litigation Support Officer to assist with legal documentation and provide litigation support across the region. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi while working in either Dunedin or Christchurch. Effective communication, legal support experience, and a strong administration background are essential. Competitive remuneration starts at $57,096 and goes up to $62,773 based on experience. A supportive team environment with professional development opportunities is provided.

Benefits

Step-based remuneration package

Flexible work options

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• A strong administration background with experience in legal support.
• Advanced computing and keyboard skills, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain relationships and handle sensitive information.
• Adaptable and calm under pressure, with strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential litigation support to solicitors and legal staff.
• Manage correspondence and maintain electronic diaries and databases.
• Liaise with Court staff and external legal professionals.

Skills

Administration background

Proficiency in Microsoft products

Strong relationship building

Ability to manage confidential information

Organizational skills

Job description

Overview

Legal Admin superstar needed for this busy team. Chance to make a difference to your community. Can be based in either Christchurch or Dunedin.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Reporting to the Practice Manager - Legal Services, an opportunity has arisen to become part of the litigation support team based in either Dunedin or Christchurch. In this role you will provide litigation support to various sites within the region, as well as assisting the nationwide litigation support team as required.

The Litigation Support Officer will be responsible for providing confidential, efficient, and professional litigation support to solicitors, legal staff, and managers, including managing correspondence, updating, and maintaining electronic diaries and databases, file management and preparing legal documentation. The role also requires liaison with Court staff, Ministry staff, and external members of the legal profession or advocates to support the Ministry\'s litigation work. You will be strongly supported in an environment that values continuous improvement and fosters a culture of striving to make our service better.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• A strong administration background is a necessity, with preferable experience in providing legal support within private practice or court environments.
• Advanced level of computing and keyboard skills including proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, Excel, Outlook) and demonstrated proficiency working in a digitalised environment.
• A strong ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Welcomes and values diversity and contributes to an inclusive working environment where differences are acknowledged and respected.
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable, calm in a dynamic and changing environment and willing to assist wherever needed.
• An ability to quickly absorb information and decide on the appropriate course of action.
• A high level of accuracy and excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, schedule work to meet deadlines and maintain the quality of services delivered.
• A strong aptitude for working and managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices.
• Welcomes and embraces diversity and the need as a public servant, to understand and support the Māori Crown relationship and support cultural competence as a best-practice feature.

Nōu te rourou | What\'s in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package, with progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $57,096 and $62,773 dependent on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on Sunday 5th October 2025.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.