Prosecutor

New Zealand Government; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 93,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

New Zealand Police in Whangarei seeks a Prosecutor to join the Police Prosecution Service. You will gain knowledge of prosecution processes, advocacy, court practices, and liaise with investigators and defence counsel.

A Bachelor of Laws with Practising Certificate is required; strong written and verbal communication and cultural competence are essential. The role involves out-of-court case management, courtroom advocacy, and progressing prosecutions within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Practising Certificate and a strong interest in criminal, public, or administrative law.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication, including the ability to present arguments effectively in court.
• Cultural competence and empathy, demonstrating respect and understanding for diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Advocate in court, from first appearances to judge-alone trials and sentencing hearings.
• Analyse files, write submissions, and liaise with police investigators and defence counsel.
• Manage out-of-court case work and ensure accurate policy and legal analysis.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Court advocacy

Communication

Cultural competence

Education

LLB degree

Practising Certificate

Job description

New Zealand Police is working with the community to make New Zealanders be safe and feel safe. With over 13,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day. We operate by land, sea and air, manage over 860,000 emergency calls a year and are always actively preventing crime and crashes.We're working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi and communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver `Our Business' and achieve long-term change.Prosecutor WhangareiBased at WhangareiPermanent - Full TimeJR 6074802E tu ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e nga ngaru o te wa.Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your faceMo te tunga | About the roleNZ Police are offering an exciting opportunity to join the Police Prosecution Service (PPS) as a Prosecutor based in Whangarei.As part of the PPS whanau, you will gain a sound knowledge of prosecution processes including advocacy, knowledge of the Law and court practices. You will be part of a diverse group of Constabulary prosecutors, Police Employee lawyers, and support and managerial staff. Dependent on your level of experience and knowledge at entry you will be involved in various out-of-court case management processes, such as file analysis, writing submissions, and liaising with police investigators and defence counsel.In addition, you will be involved with courtroom advocacy, ranging from first appearance courts through to Judge alone Trials and sentencings hearings.Your knowledge and understanding of key New Zealand statutes and legislation, combined with your desire and motivation to present well-constructed and compelling prosecution cases, will enable you to undertake a vital role in the Criminal Justice Sector and in the operationalisation of New Zealand Police's strategy.Key Accountabilities:Communication - Having the skills to effectively communicate with our people, partners and community.Decision Making - Having the critical thinking and problem solving skills to make sound decisions and responses under pressure in a face to face setting.Law and Policy - Having a sound understanding of prosecution and court processes, and the ability to analyse complex information accurately.Individually Responsible and Accountable - Being accountable for your performance and taking responsibility for your contribution and development.Clear - Show an understanding of a Prosecutor's purpose within Police and the outcomes we are striving to deliver.Enabling through self-leadership - Ability to seek opportunities to develop your own skills, knowledge and experience.He aha taau e kawe mai | What you'll bringWhilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Practising Certificate and a strong interest in criminal, public, or administrative law.Clear, confident written and verbal communication, including the ability to present arguments effectively in court.Cultural competence and empathy, demonstrating respect and understanding for the diverse communities we serve.Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirementsYou must have an LLB degree and have the ability to get a practicing certificate and provide copy of qualification eligibility.If you are a previous sworn employee who is able to prove the skills, knowledge and experience (with examples) of Prosecuting within a Court environment, then you can apply as a non-sworn employee.The successful applicant will be required to undergo a full reference and vetting check prior to any offer of employment being madeSuccessful applicant must reside within commutable distance to Whangarei.This role is Individual Contributor/Emerging Leader level. You can refer to Indicators for Success for further information on the requirementsTo view the position description for this role please copy and paste this link into a new browser:https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/pd/12-2025/prosecutor.pdfMo tatou | About usNew Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country. Police is the government's largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.Your development is highly valued at NZ Police. Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level. We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.The work you'll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities. Taken all together, this means we can offer you career path opportunities to progress in your chosen profession and become a more well-rounded, experienced leader, with opportunities across the range of work we support.To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link:Applicant Information Pack (External)Tono inaianei | Apply nowIf this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV. You will be required to submit an application form. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL: https://www.police.govt.nz/careersAll applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.Utu a-tau | SalaryThis position is covered by a collective agreement and will commence between $92,762 - $116,129 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role. Previous litigation experience will be taken into account regarding remuneration and Prosecutor Grade.Deadline for applications is 5:00 pm on Tuesday 20th October 2026. Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates.If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Talent Pathway Advisor [e-mail]