General Counsel

2 weeks ago


Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time
As New Zealand's environmental regulator, the work we do today helps shape the future of our tomorrow.

Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa

We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Aotearoa New Zealand's independent environmental regulator

Our role is important:

to help protect our country's unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy and its people.

Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. At the EPA, we encourage big ideas and bold goals.

What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.

Come join us

We welcome you to join us on our journey to a healthy environment that benefits us all.

Jump in the waka - make history with us.

About our group | Mō te roopu


Our Legal Services team help to bring the EPA's vision to life by guiding the EPA in delivering on its responsibilities and strategic direction.


Our kaupapa helps the EPA to protect the environment within the ambit of the law by providing solution focused advice, on legal issues associated with the EPA's statutory functions.

The protection of the environment sits at the heart of every decision we make.

We're a passionate and connected crew, who put in the mahi to achieve meaningful outcomes for our people and the environment.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

Reporting to the Chief Executive, we are looking for the EPA's next General Counsel.

This is a key role for the organisation and we are looking for an experienced General Counsel to lead our team of Principal Solicitors, Senior Solicitors and Solicitors.

The role is Wellington based.


As the General Counsel, you will be responsible for the legal team who ensure the EPA receives high quality legal advice at all times.

Not only are you a highly skilled legal professional, you are also a passionate and motivated people leader who enjoys seeing your people develop and succeed, in fact you thrive on people leadership and getting the best out of your people.


As a trusted Chief Legal Advisor to the EPA Board and Chief Executive, you will be confident when dealing with significant strategic, legal and governance matters and participate as an effective member of the executive team to lead the EPA.


You must be comfortable working across sometimes ambiguous and complex legislation along with being well versed in identifying and managing risks.

You are also someone who is able to pivot when required and who is future focussed and as the EPA's Privacy Officer, you'll also have a strong understanding of privacy requirements.

We have made a strategic commitment to embed Māori perspectives in all our work.

You will have a role in this and a passion for ensuring the EPA delivers on its statutory and other obligations to Māori.

The mahi will include supporting us to translate tikanga-related case law into practice. To aid you in this, you'll have a strong understanding of Te Tiriti, tikanga and Te Ao Māori.


We are looking for someone with proven experience as a General Counsel who understands the role from both a strategic legal and people leader perspective.

About you | Mōhou ake


We are looking for someone with a range of skills and experience - if you have some or all of the below, we would love to hear from you.


  • 10+ years' experience PQE as a lawyer
  • Relevant Tertiary qualification in law recognised within New Zealand
  • Holds a current NZ practicing certificate
  • Proven experience in successfully leading a legal team and function including some experience as General Counsel
  • Experience in working as part of the senior leadership team, including advising the Chief Executive and Board and providing input to organisational strategy and growth
  • Advanced people leadership skills and operational management experience
  • Strong relationship management skills and experience in complex legal environments across senior leadership teams
  • Demonstrable flexibility and agility to lead through change
  • Proven background in producing quality legal services, preferably with experience in Te Tiriti, environmental or public law
  • Subject matter expert on public law and relevant legislation
  • Sound understanding of public policy processes and the roles of government agencies
  • Knowledge of key environmental issues and other issues relevant to EPA work
  • Experience in working with legislation related to the EPA's powers and functions and matters of public law is desirable
What's in it for you | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

There are extra benefits to working at the EPA:

  • flexible working culture
- three paid 'Board holidays' in addition to four weeks' annual leave
- $400 non-taxable payment to help you set up working at home
- an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives
- in-house te reo and tikanga Māori workshops
- learning opportunities, including the annual Science Symposium
- active and liv

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