Senior Legal Counsel, Employment

2 days ago

Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time
Senior Legal Counsel, Employment at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury
  • Christchurch or Dunedin Preferred – can consider locations based over Te Waipounamu
  • Permanent, full time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to practice in-house in employment law and practice within a supportive and collegial team environment. We are looking for people who would like a challenge and work in a meaningful environment supporting our staff to deliver healthcare to New Zealanders.

The primary purpose of this role is to provide employment law support across the full spectrum of Employment & Industrial Law issues faced by HNZ. Primarily, this role will support the Te Waipounamu region as the central point of contact for employment & industrial law issues arising in the region. There will also be the chance to contribute to national programmes of work.

We have a diverse range of employment law work including contentious matters and complex advisory work. You could also expect to appear in mediations, prepare statements in reply and potentially appear in the Employment Relations Authority on behalf of Health New Zealand.

About you

  • Previous experience (in the range of 7+ years PQE) in providing employment law advice and representation to clients in roles applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options, provide advice, and translate this into meaningful advice and solutions.
  • Experience providing representation to clients in mediation, the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.
  • Critical thinking, sound judgement and analytical skills which can be constructively applied to a wide range of employment-related legal topics and human behaviour generally.
  • The ability to translate legal advice into actionable solutions;
  • Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand is committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.
  • We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role (by submitting your cover letter and CV), please click “APPLY NOW .” For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online career portal. If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to contact Matt Kelly at

Please note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • Senior Legal Counsel, Employment

    2 days ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel, Employment at Te Whatu Ora, CanterburyChristchurch or Dunedin Preferred – can consider locations based over Te WaipounamuPermanent, full timeHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're...

  • Senior Legal Counsel, Employment

    3 days ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel, Employment at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury Christchurch or Dunedin Preferred - can consider locations based over Te WaipounamuPermanent, full timeHealth New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a...

  • Senior Legal Counsel, Employment

    3 days ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel, Employment at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury Christchurch or Dunedin Preferred - can consider locations based over Te Waipounamu Permanent, full time Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're...

  • Senior Legal Counsel, Employment

    6 days ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Christchurch or Dunedin Preferred - can consider locations based over Te Waipounamu - Permanent, full time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity,...

  • Legal Counsel

    5 months ago

    Christchurch City, Canterbury, New Zealand Calder Stewart Full time

    **About Calder Stewart** From humble beginnings to a truly national player, Calder Stewart is a nationwide leader in developing property and building solutions for New Zealand’s industrial and commercial markets. Every year our team of around 450 people delivers outcomes for local, national, and international clients by building many of the largest and...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Stjohn Full time

    Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders and working to save lives since 1885. As well as providing Ambulance Services, our programmes and team of over 11,000 staff and volunteers are helping to build strong, resilient communities across the motu; supporting everyone in Aotearoa to live healthier, happier and longer lives.Job DescriptionSmall...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 months ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Hato Hone St John Full time

    **Company Description** Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders and working to save lives since 1885. As well as providing Ambulance Services, our programmes and team of over 11,000 staff and volunteers are helping to build strong, resilient communities across the motu; supporting everyone in Aotearoa to live healthier, happier and longer...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Hato Hone St John Full time

    Company DescriptionHato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders and working to save lives since 1885. As well as providing Ambulance Services, our programmes and team of over 11,000 staff and volunteers are helping to build strong, resilient communities across the motu; supporting everyone in Aotearoa to live healthier, happier and longer lives.Job...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 hours ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in property, conveyancing, and retirement village matters! - Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertise - Make a meaningful difference in what you do! - Enjoy varied and dynamic work **About Ryman Healthcare** At Ryman, we believe the...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    2 hours ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Christchurch based - Permanent, full time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. **About the...

  • Legal Counsel

    3 months ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Westland Milk Products Full time

    Westland Milk Products is a well-known New Zealand end-to-end dairy manufacturer based in the beautiful South Island with offices and production facilities based in both Christchurch and Hokitika. Owned by the Global Top 5 dairy company Yili Group, Westland Milk Products and its related companies in New Zealand, Oceania Dairy (Glenavy), Pure Nutrition Ltd...

  • Legal Counsel

    5 months ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in corporate & commercial matters - Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertise - Make a meaningful difference in what you do! - Enjoy varied and dynamic work **About Ryman Healthcare** At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    5 months ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Join Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora at a key time of change where you will meaningfully contribute to our vision of creating a more equitable, accessible, cohesive and people-centred health system. **Te whiwhinga mahi | The Opportunity** The Health New Zealand legal team has offices across New Zealand, supporting the operational work of our hospitals and...

  • Employment Associate

    2 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Fluid Legal Full time

    The Opportunity A fantastic opportunity has come available for an experienced Employment Lawyer to join this highly successful firm based in central Christchurch. The role will lead the Employment practice with oversight of a small team.The firm itself is a medium-sized firm with a tight and cohesive culture that prioritises the wellbeing of their employees...

  • Employment Associate

    2 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Fluid Legal Full time

    The Opportunity A fantastic opportunity has come available for an experienced Employment Lawyer to join this highly successful firm based in central Christchurch. The role will lead the Employment practice with oversight of a small team. The firm itself is a medium-sized firm with a tight and cohesive culture that prioritises the wellbeing of their employees...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 hours ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic fixed term opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in corporate & commercial matters - Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertise - Make a meaningful difference in what you do! - Enjoy varied and dynamic work **About Ryman Healthcare** At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full...

  • Legal Administration Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Leo Legal Recruitment Full time

    Legal Administration Manager – Second in ChargeExpanding full-service practice.Seeking a new challenge or change of direction? We are looking for an experienced and professional Manager or Legal Administrator!Our client, a long-standing Christchurch practice, is seeking an experienced full-time Legal Administration Manager to become a valued part of their...

  • Legal Administration Manager

    3 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Leo Legal Recruitment Full time

    Legal Administration Manager – Second in ChargeExpanding full-service practice.Seeking a new challenge or change of direction? We are looking for an experienced and professional Manager or Legal Administrator!Our client, a long-standing Christchurch practice, is seeking an experienced full-time Legal Administration Manager to become a valued part of their...

  • Legal Administration Manager

    2 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Leo Legal Recruitment Full time

    Legal Administration Manager – Second in Charge Attractive salary.Expanding full-service practice. Cheerful collaborative team. Seeking a new challenge or change of direction? We are looking for an experienced and professional Manager or Legal Administrator! Our client, a long-standing Christchurch practice, is seeking an experienced full-time Legal...

  • Legal Administration Manager

    3 weeks ago

    Christchurch, New Zealand Leo Legal Recruitment Full time

    Legal Administration Manager – Second in Charge Expanding full-service practice. Seeking a new challenge or change of direction? We are looking for an experienced and professional Manager or Legal Administrator! Our client, a long-standing Christchurch practice, is seeking an experienced full-time Legal Administration Manager to become a valued part of...