Senior Legal Counsel (Legislation)

• Secondment opportunity until December 2026 

• Join our collaborative and supportive team  

• Full-time, Wellington or Auckland-based role 

Te tūranga – The role  

As Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel, you will report to the Associate General Counsel as part of a team of five lawyers.   

Sitting within the Enterprise Services Group, your work will contribute to our purpose of driving RBNZ’s strategic objectives. Your role has an important impact through the delivery of legal advice that enhances RBNZ’s reputation and helps us deliver on our priorities.  

The Legal team are highly regarded within RBNZ and are actively sought out to advise on a wide range of matters across the organisation.  You will work alongside senior leaders, policy experts, operational teams and supervisors on issues that matter—financial stability and resilience, regulatory reform, monetary policy and access to cash. Your advice will directly inform critical decisions that impact the New Zealand economy.  

In this role you will: 

• Act as a corporate legal adviser to the Bank under the direction and guidance of the RBNZ’s General Counsel, and Associate General Counsel, and in accordance with the RBNZ’s Legal Services Charter and Lawyers Conduct and Client Care rules. 

• Provide timely and high-quality legal services to the Reserve Bank and advice on: 

• Statutory interpretation. 

• Options under legislation available to RBNZ in the pursuit of its regulatory functions. 

• Public law issues and other general corporate matters. 

• RBNZ’s functions and operations, powers and obligations under relevant legislation, including in respect of its payment systems, issuance of currency and monetary policy, as well as legal advice on general corporate matters. 

Ō pūkenga – About you  

We are looking for a collaborative team member who can work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. To be successful in this role you will bring: 

• At least 4 years PQE in the public sector, a financial institution or regulatory body, with a current New Zealand practicing certificate 

• Strong statutory interpretation skills and an understanding of the regulatory environment 

• A pragmatic, solutions-focussed and client-centric approach to delivering legal advice 

• High quality written and oral communication skills, with an ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice 

Ko wai mātou – Who we are 

We’re kaitiaki (guardians) of New Zealand’s financial ecosystem – enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders. We do this by providing money and cash, helping to keep prices stable and underpinning the financial system to allow New Zealand to spend, save, insure and do business.   

We do all we can to support a sustainable, productive and efficient economy built on integrity, innovation and inclusion. We’re building diversity and inclusion into everything we do. Our differences help us deliver our best work – reflective of the needs of society. We welcome and value knowledge of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori.   

Ngā painga – What we can offer you 

We have so much to offer from flexible working to an inclusive and positive workplace culture. Our benefits include additional leave options, a wellness package, working-from-home equipment subsidy, generous parental leave provisions, learning and development opportunities, and access to numerous social, networking and sporting activities. Find out more at: www.rbnz.govt.nz/careers/our-benefits 

Come join us if you want to make an impact 

Working at Te Pūtea Matua is about more than a job. Here you’ll have a career, a community, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for New Zealand. Bring your talent, curiosity and expertise – we’ll invest in you, and together, we’re investing in New Zealand. 

Kōrero tāpiri - Additional information  

We welcome all people, and we want everyone to be able to equitably participate in our recruitment process. For more information or any questions, get in touch with us: recruitment@rbnz.govt.nz  

Me pēhea te tuku tono - Interested?  

Check out the position description and apply online including a cover letter outlining why you think you’ll be a great fit for the role.  Whilst acknowledging the growing use of AI, we kindly ask that the information you provide authentically represents you 

Applications close Wednesday 6th May.