Salary: $275,500 Per Annum 

Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch 

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, on behalf of the Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, invites expressions of interest from candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as Members of the Employment Relations Authority (the Authority). 

About the Employment Relations Authority (the Authority) 

The Authority is an independent statutory body that operates under the Employment Relations Act 2000 (the Act). Its primary role is to resolve employment relationship problems fairly and efficiently, based on merit and evidence, without regards to technicalities.  Members are expected to uphold judicial independence and impartiality, ensuring decisions are made free from any influence. 

The Authority’s statutory duties include: 

• Assisting employers and employees (and their representatives) to achieve and maintain constructive employment relationships by resolving issues and making determinations when required  
• Enforcement of mediated settlements 
• Enforcement of minimum employment standards and imposing penalties for proven breaches. 

Further information about the Authority and its activities can found on its website – https://www.era.govt.nz.

We are seeking candidates with the following skills and expertise: 

• Knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand employment relations system, including the Employment Relations Act 2000 and other relevant legislation, and an understanding of the principles of good faith, which underpin that system 
• Knowledge and understanding of employment dispute resolution mechanisms 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the dynamics of the employment relationship 
• Demonstrated competence in the conduct of hearings and/or inquiries, and a knowledge of procedures that ensure investigations are conducted in a manner that is reasonable 
• Demonstrated competence in gathering information in a way that is not restricted by legal technicalities 
• Demonstrated competence in taking and assessing evidence and the development and application of flexible procedures that facilitate pragmatic decision-making 
• Demonstrated competence in writing concisely and precisely and in the interpretation of employment agreements and employment legislation 
• A well-balanced blend of experience from both the public and private sector 

Other specialised skills include: 

• Candidates who can bring a deep understanding of New Zealand’s labour market, prevailing labour market conditions and remuneration 
• Candidates who are experienced in the dynamics of collective bargaining, including complex wage negotiation and settlement 
• Arbitration, tribunal adjudicative or dispute resolution experience would be advantageous 
• Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification is desirable. 

How to apply: 

View the role on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website here.

For further details about the role, view the Position Description.

Candidates are invited to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. The EOI form can be requested via email to ERAExpressionsOfInterest@mbie.govt.nz. 

Candidates may then submit their application, including the EOI form, Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter by email to the above address. 

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 22nd March 2026.