* Opportunity to help make a real difference to Tamariki and Rangatahi
* Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development
* No time recording or fee targets
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 putTamarikifirst
* We believeArohais vital
* We respect theManaof people
* We areTikaandPono
* We valueWhakapapa
* We recognise thatOrangais 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
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 significant courtroom time conducting litigation on behalf of Oranga Tamariki, with a focus on ensuring good outcomes for tamariki and their whānau.
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 Napier or Hastings or be willing to relocate to Hawkes Bay for this opportunity.
We want to hear how your skills/experience align so have listed some of the attributes you need to be successful in this role below:
* Have been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate
* Be driven by a desire to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities
* 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
* Are committed to continuing your own Te Ao Māori development and cultural competence
* Have a sound understanding of either family or criminal (youth justice) law or have a genuine passion and interest to work in this area
* Excellent communication, digital and written skills are a must
* Be a 'straight up' person who is honest, transparent and keeps your word and you are a team player who enjoys collaborating with others
* A clean drivers license 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 $77,886and$86,082 dependant on experience. We 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.
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.
Applications Close: Sunday 1 February 2026. 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.
Reference # 40220
Posted on 16 Jan 2026
Closes on 01 Feb 2026 23:55
Location(s) Hastings
Expertise Corporate & Commercial Law, Family Law, Generalist - In House, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Management, Other, Legal
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