Senior Lawyer

Tiaki Wai; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible WFH up to 2 days

Wellbeing programme

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Tiaki Wai is seeking a commercially minded Senior Lawyer to join our in-house team in Wellington during a pivotal transformation. The fixed-term position offers broad legal work as we evolve our dedicated water utility for the region.

You will work with the General Counsel and senior leaders, delivering pragmatic advice across a varied portfolio while helping manage risk and support strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' PQE and current NZ practising certificate.
• Experience across property, environmental law, privacy or litigation.
• Commercial, pragmatic approach to legal problem-solving.
• Ability to influence outcomes and build trusted relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide pragmatic legal advice across a diverse portfolio.
• Support strategic decision-making and risk management.
• Collaborate with General Counsel and senior leaders.
• Contribute to the evolution of Tiaki Wai's in-house function.

Skills

Property law

Environmental law

LGOIMA & Privacy

Litigation & insurance

Commercial problem-solving

Relationship building

Education

NZ practising certificate

Job description

This is a full time 40 hours per week, fixed term position for 6 months.

• Broad, interesting legal practice across a highly regulated sector
• Opportunity to help out while a new in-house legal function is being formed
• Petone based, 6 months fixed term

The opportunity

Tiaki Wai is seeking a commercially minded Senior Lawyer to join our in-house legal team during a pivotal period of transformation. As Wellington's new council-owned water organisation, we're building a trusted, sustainable utility that puts communities and customers at the centre of everything we do.

Working closely with the General Counsel and senior leaders, you'll provide pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice across a diverse portfolio of matters, helping manage legal risk and support strategic decision-making across the organisation.

This fixed-term role will provide additional senior legal capability while Tiaki Wai's in-house legal function evolves and the organisation determines its longer-term legal resourcing requirements.

About You

If you're an experienced lawyer who enjoys variety, autonomy and helping organisations navigate complex legal challenges, we'd love to hear from you.

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Bring

• 5+ years' PQE and a current NZ practising certificate.
• Strong expertise in one or more of the following:
  • Property law
  • Environmental law and the RMA
  • LGOIMA and Privacy
  • Litigation, insurance or dispute
  • A practical, commercial approach to legal problem-solving.
  • The ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes.

Benefits

At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.

Our Benefits Include

• Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
• Comprehensive wellbeing programme
• Formal and informal professional development opportunities

About Us

Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.

We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.

Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.

Applications close: 23 September 2026

Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.