Solicitor | Wellington City

Job Description

Job Title: Solicitor (Public Law)

Role type: Permanent, full time

Location: Wellington

Salary range: General Salary Range E: $85,302 to $99,628 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

As a Solicitor, you will provide legal advice that identifies and provides options for managing legal risk. You'll work in a way that supports the business and internal partnerships across MPI. Your work supports MPI strategies and, where appropriate, whole of government issues.

Bring your skills and be open to learning subject matter where you will focus on government law across the agriculture and forestry sectors specifically.

About You - Mōu

We are looking for a Solicitor with experience in public law (including, for example, working on legislative development projects and advising on operational matters that the Ministry is responsible for) or other relevant legal experience to advise across the organisation.

To work with us you will need:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law and a current New Zealand practising certificate, or the immediate ability to hold one.
• Post-admission experience in public law or another relevant area of law.

To excel in this role, the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a collaborative and communicative work style is vital. A can-do attitude, clear judgment, and a proven history of delivering high-quality legal advice is essential.

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Legal Services Directorate is mainly based in Wellington for the public law and commercial law functions and all around the country for the prosecution function.  We work collaboratively and provide support and opportunities for development, including a varied and interesting CPD programme. While Solicitors are appointed to a particular team, we have a rotation policy to provide the opportunity to move between teams. This is a busy team with a great team culture.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru 

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? 

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to

the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “Apply” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at 11.59pm 5 June 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please email Sophie.Hallett@mpi.govt.nz

Follow MPI here - Whāia ngā tūhononga ki MPI i konei

Links to Facebook, MPI Careers, LinkedIn, X