Expressions of Interest are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for appointment as a Judge of the Employment Court. The position will be a Wellington based role.

To be appointed to the Employment Court a candidate must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least seven years or otherwise qualify for appointment under section 200 of the Employment Relations Act 2000.

The position will suit someone with a particular interest in, and knowledge of, New Zealand’s employment law.

The criteria for judicial appointment includes:

• sound knowledge of the law and experience of its application
• qualities of character such as personal honesty and integrity, impartiality, good judgment, and independence
• aware of, and sensitive to, the diversity of modern New Zealand society
• ability to assist persons to resolve litigation other than by judgment
• highly developed oral and written communication skills
• litigation and/or hearing management experience
• ability to absorb and analyse complex and competing factual and legal material
• ability to work hard, efficiently and under pressure
• aware of the special characteristics of employment relationships.

Further information and application forms are available from the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.justice.govt.nz/about/statutory-vacancies/#EmployJudge.

The close off for expressions of interest is by 4:00pm Friday 23 October 2026.

All expressions of interest will be handled with the highest degree of confidentiality.