Senior Solicitor Litigation at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Hawkes Bay

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Opportunity to help make a real difference
• Permanent role
• Hawkes Bay

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are looking for an experienced litigation lawyer with excellent legal skills to be a safe pair of hands in our dynamic and agile legal team. This role is based in our Hastings Office.

In this fast-paced, exciting role you will play a key role providing legal advice and advocacy services to social workers and other staff.  Your work will involve court time conducting litigation on behalf of Oranga Tamariki, with a focus on ensuring good outcomes for tamariki and their whānau. 

Our team supports Oranga Tamariki to achieve the goal of all tamariki being in loving whānau and communities where Oranga Tamariki can be realised. You will also assist the Regional Legal Manager to identify, manage and strategize legal risk. You will be excited to provide mentoring to other legal colleagues and enjoy leading training.

Advising and collaborating with Social Workers and/or other Lawyers are some of the key work that occurs outside of the courtroom. However, this position does include significant court time.  This is a role where your internal and external relationships will enable you to work collectively to make a positive difference for our tamariki.

This role is based in our Hastings office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Hastings or be willing to relocate to Hastings for this opportunity.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include: 

• Be admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate with at least five years PQE
• Have a sound understanding of either family or criminal (youth justice) law or have a genuine passion and interest to work in this area
• Have the drive and desire to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities
• Be committed to helping us honour our treaty commitments to Māori to improve long-term outcomes
• Thrive in a job where no day is the same but each day your mahi matters
• Excellent communication, digital and written skills
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture 
• Works with integrity; is honest, transparent and you keep your word
• You enjoy being a part of a team and collaborating with others
• A clean driving licence and ability to use Oranga Tamariki vehicles to travel within region

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependant on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi. 

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications for this role close at midnight on Wednesday 13 May 2026.

However, we will be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to this date, so apply now!

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.