Regional Legal Manager

• Permanent, Full Time Role
• Wellington Location
• Flexible Work Opportunities

Make a Difference For Tamariki, Rangatahi and Wh nau
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Mo m tou \| 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 hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mo te tunga \| About the role

This is a senior legal leadership opportunity with genuine national reach. Based in Wellington, you will influence legal practice across Oranga Tamariki and make a meaningful contribution to outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau throughout Aotearoa. This role offers the chance to join a well-supported, high-functioning Legal Services team.

You will work collaboratively with Regional Legal Managers across the country as part of a nationally connected Legal Services leadership team. The role is well supported by practical systems, clear processes, good use of technology, and nationally consistent ways of working. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to further service improvement and help shape the ongoing development of Legal Services.

As a Regional Legal Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing, leading and developing a team of lawyers based in Wellington and the Upper South Island, while contributing to a positive, high-performing team culture across Legal Services.
• Ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal advice and advocacy across the region.
• Collaborating with other legal managers and people leaders to support best practice, national consistency, and a strong shared sense of purpose across Legal Services.
• Supporting effective risk and resource management through clear systems, sound judgement, and practical leadership.
• Stakeholder management - creating trust-based relationships with the judiciary, external counsel, social work staff, regional management and others who work with tamariki
• Spearheading projects of interest and nationwide effect

Ng pumanawatanga ou \| What you will bring

• Proven experience leading, developing and coaching legal professionals in a supportive, high-performing environment.
• Experience in litigation and/or family law, with familiarity with the justice system and the mechanisms of government.
• A track record of building team morale, supporting others to do their best work, and contributing to a positive and collaborative team culture.
• Ability to work confidently in a high-pressure environment while remaining practical, calm and solutions-focused.
• Absolute dedication to the vision and values of Oranga Tamariki
• A commitment to developing the cultural capability of the legal team, particularly in relation to Te Reo and Te Ao M ori
• A qualification as a Barrister and Solicitor with a current practicing certificate is mandatory.
• Full driver's license is mandatory

Nou te rourou \| What's in it for you

We offer an interesting and rewarding career in a supportive, well-connected Legal Services group where morale is high and people are committed to doing quality work that makes a difference. You will be part of a high-functioning national legal team with strong systems, practical support, flexible working opportunities, and a genuine one legal team approach across the motu.

We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. We also offer a competitive and equitable salary, and various employee benefits, including flexible working opportunities, to see our benefits click here: https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

If you are an experienced legal leader who is passionate about mentoring others, delivering high-quality legal services, and making a positive difference for tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau, we'd love to hear from you.

Me pehea te tuku tono \| How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please create a login and apply via our Careers Page.

If you have any questions about the role, please don't hesitate to contact the Director of Regional Legal Services - [email protected] . This will be in full confidence.

Hurry as applications for this role close at midnight on 30 July 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.