Legal Counsel
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- 5+ yrs
- Salary
- —
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 4 weeks ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Legal qualification
- Eligibility
- Applicants with at least five years of post-qualification experience in legal practice, particularly those with commercial law, contracts, statutory frameworks, local government, or in-house legal experience, are encouraged to apply. A strong appreciation of te ao Māori and tikanga Māori is valued.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
About the role
Rotorua Lakes Council is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join its team in Rotorua, Bay of Plenty. Reporting to the General Counsel, this position offers the chance to deliver practical legal support within a community-focused organisation that plays an important role in the district.
The council has more than 400 staff and operates with a strong emphasis on culture, people, and connections. Its work is shaped by partnership with Te Arawa and a commitment to being a bicultural organisation. Candidates who understand or value te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and the local context are especially encouraged.
Rotorua itself is a unique and vibrant place to work, known for its lakes, geothermal features, mountain biking, and cultural life. This role is suited to someone who wants to contribute to meaningful local outcomes while working in a collaborative environment.
Key responsibilities
You will provide high-quality legal guidance across the council, with a particular emphasis on commercial matters.
- Advise on a broad range of legal issues affecting the council, especially commercial and contract matters.
- Prepare, review, and negotiate agreements, including leases, short-form contracts, and more complex commercial arrangements.
- Support major projects by offering clear, practical legal input.
- Help strengthen contract management processes and risk management practices.
- Contribute legal support in areas such as property, infrastructure, privacy, and other local government matters.
- Turn complex legal issues into straightforward advice that can be applied in practice.
- Improve legal capability across the organisation through shared learning, better templates, and consistent working methods.
About you
The council is looking for a commercially minded legal professional with strong technical knowledge and a practical approach.
- You have at least five years of post-qualification experience.
- You bring solid expertise in commercial law, contracts, and statutory frameworks.
- Experience in local government or another in-house legal environment will be an advantage.
- You are confident giving senior-level legal advice and working through complex issues.
- You take a solution-oriented approach and can build trusted relationships across the organisation.
- You appreciate bicultural practice and have an understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, and the council’s district context.
Additional information
This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a forward-looking organisation focused on people, community, and the future of Rotorua. The role is based onsite in Rotorua, where you will be part of a high-performing and collaborative team committed to integrity and innovation.
The position description is available for review, and applicants who feel aligned with the role and the council’s values are encouraged to apply.