Legal Counsel

Exciting opportunity to join NZTA's in-house legal team

Bring your commercial legal expertise to a purpose-driven organisation

Permanent opportunity located in either Wellington or Auckland

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Opportunities within our Legal team don't come along often. With several team members embarking on new adventures, we are seeking two talented lawyers to join our in-house Legal team as Legal Counsel - Commercial, and Senior Legal Counsel - Regulatory. These roles offer the chance to work on complex and meaningful matters that help shape New Zealand's transport system while being part of a collaborative and high-performing team.

Legal Counsel, Commercial

We are seeking a Legal Counsel, Commercial to provide legal expertise across commercial, infrastructure, health and safety, technology, privacy and general operations for NZTA.

In this role, you will advise on a wide range of commercial, contractual and advisory legal matters, collaborating with the Commercial, Legal Team to support strategic objectives and mitigate risk. You'll play a role in ensuring a consistent approach across commercial operations and in developing strong internal relationships.

We are looking for someone who is open-minded, solutions focused and able to think outside the box to find new and innovative ways of working. Your exceptional communication skills, ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders, and aptitude to focus on the big stuff and provide simple, pragmatic and practical advice will fit well with us.

We are looking for a lawyer who is a team player, focuses on the right things and someone who gets things done.

The role would suit someone with a range of commercial legal experience and who is used to dealing with multiple matters at the same time. We are particularly interested in applicants who have 3+ years of post-qualification experience.

The position description can be seen here.

Ko koe'tenei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

The ability to connect effectively with colleagues in an environment where there is overlap between the work that teams do

Exceptional standards of accuracy and attention to detail

The ability to foster and build relationships

A growth mindset, collaborative working style with a strong customer focus

An ability to provide proactive and solution-focused advice that is simple, pragmatic and practical

Excellent communication and relationship building skills

A tertiary qualification in law

A current New Zealand Law Society practising certificate

You'll'demonstrate'a willingness to understand and engage with Te Ao Maori, support NZTA's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making.'

Ko wai matou | About us'

At NZTA, we create transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. Te Ama - Commercial and Corporate provides the services that enable NZTA to run efficiently and effectively.

We also offer:'

Flexible working arrangements'

A commitment to professional development and growth'

An inclusive and supportive team culture'

The opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure programmes'

Competitive salary and benefits package

If you want to join an organisation with a strong transparent culture, where wellbeing'is a priority and where your talent and skills are valued, then join us in continuing the make NZTA a great place to work and apply with your CV.

Advert closes Sunday 9 August 2026.

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.