The Office of Human Rights Proceedings |Te Tari Whakatau Take Tika Tangata

Senior Solicitor | Rōia Matua

Salary Band 5: $126,304– 170,882 (midpoint: $148,593)

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Location – Auckland or Wellington

Applications are invited for the position of Senior Solicitor | Rōia Matua in the Office of Human Rights Proceedings (Office). This is an exciting opportunity to work at the cutting edge of New Zealand human rights law litigation.

The Director of Human Rights Proceedings is a statutory officer who can provide free legal representation to individuals who complain of discrimination under the Human Rights Act 1993 and can bring privacy interference proceedings under the Privacy Act 2020. The Director heads the Office, which is an independent part of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission.

The Director is seeking to employ a highly experienced Senior Solicitor to be based in either the Auckland or Wellington office.

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

The Senior Solicitor plays a key role in assisting the Director to carry out the functions of the Office. The Senior Solicitor will work closely with all other members of the Office and will lead some of the Office’s litigation under the Human Rights Act 1993 and Privacy Act 2020. The Senior Solicitor will also support the Director in the conduct of litigation he leads.

A large component of the role is the assessment of applications for legal representation received by the Office and advising the Director on the same.

The Office is made up of a small, dedicated team, consisting of the Director, one Principle Solicitor, one Solicitor, and a Legal Secretary, as well as Law Clerks from time to time. This work requires the ability to connect with and manage vulnerable clients and witnesses through a formal legal process, including those who are unfamiliar with court proceedings and who may have experienced significant personal loss.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing applications for legal representation in the Human Rights Review Tribunal or courts.

• Analysing facts, researching the law, and drafting legal opinions and reasons.

• Providing legal advice and representation to the Director and the clients of the Office, including in relation to settlement negotiations and Tribunal proceedings.

• Creating and maintaining internal and external relationships to facilitate the strategic intent of the Office, including with Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission.

• Contributing to the conduct of litigation under the Human Rights Act 1993 and Privacy Act 2020 in either a leadership or supporting role.

• Appearing in the Tribunal/courts as opportunities arise.

• Supervising the work of other legal staff and law clerks.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in the role you will have or be developing the following:

• An understanding of the Human Rights Act 1993, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Privacy Act 2020.

• At least three years’ experience working in litigation, including some experience in public law, human rights or privacy litigation.

• Excellent analytical skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly.

• Able to effectively organise, prioritise and multi-task.

• A demonstrated commitment to human rights in Aotearoa and/or internationally.

• Experience in dealing with vulnerable individuals/groups would be advantageous.

• A current, or the entitlement to, New Zealand Law Society practising certificate.

Mō te Tari Whakatau Take Tika Tangata | About the Office of Human Rights Proceedings

The Office is publicly funded to provide free legal representation in discrimination and harassment cases under the Human Rights Act 1993, and interference of privacy cases under the Privacy Act 2020. This includes acting for clients in settlement negotiations, mediations, and proceedings before the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

We promote human rights for all/whakamana tangata. We work for a free, fair, safe and just Aotearoa New Zealand, where diversity is valued, and human dignity and rights are respected. The Office seeks to work in a Tiriti-based way, and we value skills and knowledge to support that approach, including an understanding of Te Ao Māori. We are committed to building diversity, cultural competence, accessibility and inclusion in our workplace.

Ngā whaipainga o te mahi kei te Tari Whakatau Take Tika Tangata | Benefits of working at the Office of Human Rights Proceedings

• Generous leave package of five (5) weeks Annual Leave + an additional suite of leave, (Commission Days and Cultural Leave)

• Te Tiriti Based Organisation

• 37.5 hrs working week

• Flexible Working Arrangements

• Career Progression

• Enhanced Parental and Sick Leave provisions.

Ō mātau uara / Our Values are:

Our values guide how we behave as an organisation and as individuals to achieve our mission:

• Mana Tangata – human dignity

• Māia, tika, pono – courage and integrity

• Whanaungatanga – relationships

Te Whakauruuru me te Kanorautanga | Inclusion & Diversity

We are open to applicants with a broad range of relevant experience.

We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate in our hiring practices and, to build a strong dynamic workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool including those with a range of lived experiences. We welcome applications from disabled people, and from people with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.

Please let us know, if any of our processes pose a barrier for you, or there is any support or assistance that would facilitate your participation in the application process. The job description and this advertisement are available in alternative formats and can be provided on request.

To download a job description, please click here.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

To apply – please click “apply for this job” and complete the application form. Please ensure you include your cover letter and CV in your application. You can address your application to: Greg Robins, Director of Human Rights Proceedings.

If you would like to get in touch with the People and Culture Team at the Human Rights Commission, please email peopleandculture@tikatangata.org.nz.

Applications close midday 19 June 2026 with interviews planned for the week of 24-26 June 2026.

Applicants must have legal working rights in Aotearoa New Zealand and be able to satisfy standard pre-employment checks.