Overview
Intermediate/Senior Solicitor Jobs in Paraparaumu, Wellington, New Zealand at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children
Title: Intermediate/Senior Solicitor
Company: Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children
Location: Paraparaumu, Wellington, New Zealand
- Opportunity to help make a real difference for tamariki and rangatahi
- Supportive and high-performing team
- Permanent positions
- Wellington location preferred
Due to some exciting internal promotions, we are looking for our next Intermediate/Senior Solicitors to join our team based in our National office in Wellington.
The National Office legal team at Oranga Tamariki is experienced, strategic, agile and focused on outcomes. The team’s work has been recognised through being a finalist in the 2022 ILANZ public sector in-house team of the year award and a Solicitor-General commendation at the Government Legal Network Awards 2024.
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
Our Legal Services team has three permanent positions available in our National Office team.
Our Senior Solicitor roles would suit applicants with 5+ years PQE experience in expert legal advice in a variety of areas to join our dynamic and agile legal team. Previous public sector experience is highly desirable.
We are also open to considering exceptional Intermediate Solicitors with 3+ years PQE experience.
We are especially looking for demonstrable experience in one or more of the following:
- Crown litigation management, including in specialist courts
- Commercial and Procurement
- Claims and redress
- Public law including policy and legislative development
- Treaty and tikanga advice in the Oranga Tamariki context
Successful candidates will ideally also have demonstrable experience working in one or more other key work areas. Along with those set out above, these ideally include:
- Property
- Employment
- Providing advice to operational teams
- Privacy, Official Information and Information Sharing
Applicants will be expected to provide advice in a range of areas of law. We provide strategic advice across all areas of our service. Reporting to the Legal Manager – National Office role, we have a preference that successful candidates will be based in Wellington.
The National Office team is one of seven legal teams within Oranga Tamariki, with the other six teams focusing on supporting social work and proceedings in the Family Court. Working collectively, our lawyers support Oranga Tamariki to achieve the goal of all tamariki being in loving whānau and communities where Oranga Tamariki can be realised.
Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
- You will have been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate.
- You are driven by a desire to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities.
- You are committed to helping us honour our treaty commitments to Māori to improve long-term outcomes.
- You thrive in a job where no day is the same but each day your mahi matters.
- You are committed to a supported and ongoing journey towards an understanding of Te Ao Māori and increasing cultural competence.
- You have a sound understanding of one or more areas of relevant law or have a genuine passion and interest to work in this area.
- Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples’ culture.
Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you
Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure.
The salary band for the Senior Solicitor role starts at $125,926 per annum with midpoint of $139,459.
The salary band for the Intermediate Solicitor role starts at $90,429 per annum with midpoint of $100,019.
We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options (including part-time) 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.
To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit:
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you register or login using your work email address.
For reporting and transparency, it is important that all applications are submitted through our careers site, please do not email through applications and/or CVs.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact or [email protected].
Applications close at midnight on 6 September 2026. We may interview as applications come in, so please apply early.
Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.
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
