Legal Counsel - Commercial

• •Exciting opportunity to join NZTA’s in-house legal team
• •Bring your commercial legal expertise to a purpose-driven organisation

Permanent opportunity (Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch)

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a Legal Counsel, Commercial to provide high quality, pragmatic legal expertise across commercial, infrastructure, health and safety, and digital for NZTA.

In this role you’ll be supported to work closely with the wider legal team and across the General Counsel Office and with senior leaders, internal teams and external stakeholders, helping identify and navigate legal and commercial risks. You’ll provide practical, commercially focused advice that enables good decision making and supports the delivery of NZTA’s strategic objectives.

You’ll play a role in ensuring a consistent approach across commercial operations and in developing strong internal relationships.

We are looking for someone who is solutions focused and able to think outside the box to contribute to new and innovative ways of working. Your excellent communication and relationship building skills, ability to focus on the big stuff, and to provide simple, pragmatic and practical advice will fit well with us.

We are looking for a lawyer who is a team player and able to prioritise and get things done with multiple matters on the go at the same time.

You can find out more about the role here Position Description.

Ō Pūmanawa | What we're looking for

Our ideal candidate will have a tertiary law qualification and a current New Zealand Law Society Practising Certificate and some or all of the following (but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box):

Four or more years’ post-qualification experience

Strong law firm and/or in-house legal experience

Expertise relevant to one or more of commercial, infrastructure, and digital matters

An ability to provide proactive and solution-focused advice that is simple, pragmatic and practical

Solid commercial judgement and an ability to balance legal risk with practical organisational outcomes

Excellent attention to detail balanced with a big picture perspective

Excellent communication and relationship building skills

A growth mindset, and collaborative working style with a strong customer focus

You'll demonstrate a willingness to understand and engage with Te Ao Māori, support NZTA's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and contribute to an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making.

Ko wai mātou | About us

At NZTA, we create transport networks that deliver for people, places and New Zealand. Te Ama – Commercial and Corporate provides the services that enable NZTA to run efficiently and effectively.

From five weeks annual leave through to Life, Income Protection and Critical Illness Insurance for our permanent employees – you will be well looked after here. Our benefits are designed to support our people and provide a happy, healthy and high-performing environment. We take a principle-based approach to flexibility that enables our people and their People Leaders to discuss and agree the arrangements that work best for the individual, the team, and the organisation. And whether it’s on-the-job experience, signing up to a course, coaching opportunities, or secondments to other roles within NZTA – you can build a varied and successful career with us and grow your potential.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply:

Please click apply to upload your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.

Rā Katinga | Applications close:

24 November 2026

For further information, email: careers@nzta.govt.nz

To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.