Senior Lawyer
Meaningful work, where your legal advice will genuinely shape the future of an essential public service.
Broad, interesting legal practice across a highly regulated sector
Opportunity to help out while a new in-house legal function is being formed
Petone based, 6 months fixed term
This is a full time 40 hours per week, fixed term position for 6 months.
The opportunity
Tiaki Wai is seeking a commercially minded Senior Lawyer to join our in-house legal team during a pivotal period of transformation. As Wellington's new council-owned water organisation, we're building a trusted, sustainable utility that puts communities and customers at the centre of everything we do.
Working closely with the General Counsel and senior leaders, you'll provide pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice across a diverse portfolio of matters, helping manage legal risk and support strategic decision-making across the organisation.
This fixed-term role will provide additional senior legal capability while Tiaki Wai's in-house legal function evolves and the organisation determines its longer-term legal resourcing requirements.
About you
If you're an experienced lawyer who enjoys variety, autonomy and helping organisations navigate complex legal challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
To be successful in this role you will bring:
5+ years' PQE and a current NZ practising certificate.
Strong expertise in one or more of the following:
Property law
Environmental law and the RMA
LGOIMA and Privacy
Litigation, insurance or dispute
A practical, commercial approach to legal problem-solving.
The ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes.
Benefits
At Tiaki Wai, our purpose extends beyond delivering great water services for the region; we foster a thriving community, support a diverse workforce, and offer supportive development opportunities. We genuinely care about your safety and wellbeing.
Our benefits include:
Flexible working arrangements including up to 2 days working from home
Comprehensive wellbeing programme
Formal and informal professional development opportunities
For a full list of our employee benefits click here.
About us
Tiaki Wai is a council-owned organisation responsible for managing the delivery of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services across Hutt Valley, Porirua, and Wellington.
We manage public-owned extensive water infrastructure and oversee the delivery of safe and reliable services for our communities. We focus on long-term investment, asset management, maintenance, and delivering major infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental protection, and regional growth.
Water is a precious taonga. At Tiaki Wai, we put care into every drop and are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Leadership. We work directly with water consumers and in partnership with councils and mana whenua to deliver better water outcomes for current and future generations.
Applications close: Wednesday 9 September 2026
How to apply
To view a copy of the position description: click here
To apply for the role, click on the ‘apply’ button or visit the Tiaki Wai Careers site, if you are a Tiaki Wai employee please apply using your work email.
For further information, email: JoinUs@tiakiwai.co.nz
Applicants for safety sensitive roles will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to commencing employment with Tiaki Wai. You must also be legally entitled to work long-term in New Zealand or eligible to obtain a working visa.
- Department
- Risk and Compliance
- Locations
- Petone Office
Petone Office
Staff benefits
1. Inclusive Culture: It is important to us that people love our culture. We embrace a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at our core. Our team is united by passion, dedication, and a shared care for water and our community.
2. Safety and Support: We provide an Employee Assistance Scheme for crucial personal support, along with wellbeing and lifestyle education delivered through our Wellbe Team, ensuring you feel supported in and out of the workplace.
3. Health is Wealth: We prioritise your health with an annual voluntary health "warrant of fitness," immunisations, and flu vaccinations. Moreover, enjoy annual subsidised vision testing and contributions toward glasses to ensure clear vision.
4. Work-Life Balance: Where possible there is access to flexible work practices. And take advantage of our annual leave, reaching five weeks after three years of service, and 10 days sick leave from starting with us. In addition, take one paid day a year for your personal Wellbeing. We also offer parental leave and partner entitlements to support you during significant life moments.
5. Comprehensive Benefits: We have partnered with providers for discounted Southern Cross medical insurance, periodic vision and hearing tests, and eyewear subsidies. You can also access discounts at a range of retailers via Boost. Gain access to top-notch gear, machinery, PPE, and tools, fostering a safe work environment if you are “on the tools”. We also offer a staff referral bonus paid when a person is recruited for a senior front line position, and we may offer relocation support if you need to move into the district to work here.
6. Professional Growth: Grow your skills with a range of development opportunities. Boosting your personal and work career.
7. Community Connection: You can take one paid day a year to participate in voluntary work on a water-related activity. And maybe join our active Waiata group and be part of a community that works together, sings, and thrives together.
