Ko wai mātou - Who are we
Te Kaunihera-ā-rohe o Ngāmotu - New Plymouth District Council is a local government organisation located in the heart of New Plymouth. Our vision is to be the Sustainable Lifestyle Capital, and our district boasts a spectacular natural beauty from Taranaki Maunga to the moana. In 2021, we were awarded the most liveable city (for a population between 75,000 and 150,000) by the International Awards for Liveable Communities. We work collaboratively with iwi, Government, not-for-profits and businesses to achieve outcomes that benefit our community.

Te āheinga - The opportunity
NPDC is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Solicitor to join our Legal Services team. As a key member of our organisation, you will provide expert legal advice and support to various departments within NPDC. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the legal framework that underpins the operations of a progressive local government authority.

Tino takohanga - Key responsibilities:

• Provide robust and practical general legal advice, to Council officers and managers in a variety of contexts, which is well reasoned and of high quality to enable pragmatic recommendations and decisions to be made
• To demonstrate a sound understanding of local government law or law relevant to area of practice, to positively contribute to the delivery of quality legal outcomes by the team
• Working closely with external legal providers to ensure the provision of effective and value adding services and advice to Council
• Ensure that Council's legal delegation processes are promoted and well managed, to guide managers to work within their assigned accountabilities/delegations
• Ensure that legislative requirements and Council bylaws, policies and procedures are fulfilled, particularly in relation to all key relevant legislation
• Sound analytical and decision-making skills and the ability to consider legal issues and strategy in the wider Council context
• Act in accordance with the professional duties and obligations of a Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and abide by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Amendment Rules 2021

Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako - Essential skills and experience:

• Bachelor of Laws
• Hold, or able to obtain, a current New Zealand practising certificate
• Minimum five years PQE (private practice or in-house)
• Property, commercial law and/or Resource Management Act experience provides for a greater range in position development
• Ability to provide practical advice and review of documentation

He aha ai a Taranaki? - Why Taranaki?
With the stunning Mt Taranaki as a backdrop and the warm iron sands along our coast, it is no wonder Taranaki is one of the best regions in New Zealand and the world. In Taranaki it's easy to achieve an enviable lifestyle without having to compromise your career. Our regions' dynamic surf, multitude of parks and gardens, iconic walkways, major events calendar and mountain playground make this the place to live!

Ōu mātou rourou - What we offer
At the New Plymouth District Council we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff including solid career pathways, learning and development opportunities as well as personal and professional development.

Depending on your experience you can expect to start in this permanent full-time role with us between $108,493 and $116,930. We have also put together an 'Our Peoples Package' that spans wellbeing, development, benefits, culture and recognition.

If you think this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you! Apply now!

Applications close on Sunday, 28 April 2024.