Judges Clerk at NZ Ministry of Justice, Manawatu/Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Palmerston North District Court

2-3 year Fixed Term

We are looking for a talented individual to come join our District Court as a Judges' Clerk based in Palmerston North District Court.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Judges' Clerk - This is a 2-3 year fixed term internship for motivated, enthusiastic law professionals to develop an intricate and first-hand view of the judicial system.  You will provide high quality research and directly support the District Court Judges and Community Magistrates.

If you have an LLB with a strong academic record, excellent written communication and research skills and good computer literacy this could be the opportunity for you.

You will provide high quality research to resident and visiting District Court Judges in the Lower North region.  You will fulfil that responsibility by supplying efficient an accurate legal support on any topic required. 

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you!

• Someone who enjoys working independently towards deadlines
• Self-motivated to manage workloads and maintain confidentiality
• To excel in this role, you will understand and consider the practicalities of outcomes as well as their legality

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Creating a continuous learning environment is important to us.  As the successful applicant, you will bring your thirst for knowledge and improvement.

As an organisation we empower our people with building their wellbeing knowledge, offering a range of wellbeing tools and support.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions. 

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

Starting salary is $68,845 rising after 6 months service and subsequent 6-month periods to $82,135 per annum for the last six months of their contract.

Tono mai/How to Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website.  You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

• If successful, you will be invited to an interview in Palmerston North on a date to be confirmed.
• Applicants are requested to provide an example of recent legal research that they have completed, preferably not more than two pages in length.
• You are also required to include with your application the copy of the transcript of your academic record.

Applications close on: 30 November 2025

The successful applicant must be available for an immediate start, allowing for a notice period.  Only applicants with the right to work in New Zealand will be considered for this position.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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