Masterton District Council is a values-driven organisation committed to delivering high-quality services and outcomes for our community. We are proud to play a key role in shaping the future of the district and improving the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. We foster a supportive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace where staff are encouraged to contribute ideas, develop their skills, and make a meaningful difference to the community.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates who are passionate about public service and committed to helping deliver positive outcomes for Masterton.

To learn more about working at Masterton District Council, visit: Masterton District Council – Working at Council

He angitūtanga | The opportunity:

Join our growing in house legal team in a newly created full-time role. Whether you're an experience Executive, mid-level Legal Executive looking to broaden your experience or a junior Solicitor seeking exposure to a diverse range of legal work, you’ll work alongside our sole Legal Counsel in a fast paced, constantly evolving environment. You’ll also have strong support from a wider organisation full of great people and varied, interesting work. 

This is a hands-on Legal Executive role with no time recording, giving you real focus on the work itself. You’ll work across a broad range of local government legal matters, including property, contract, and commercial work through to regulatory and enforcement matters, resource management and planning issues, infrastructure and projects, and the management of LGOIMA and Privacy Act requests. 

You’ll have a high degree of autonomy in how you manage your work, with the opportunity to help develop, improve, and streamline legal processes and systems as the function continues to grow. You will play a key role in keeping work moving, and helping teams navigate legal requirements in a practical, solutions-focused way.

You’ll gain exposure to a wide range of legal work across a busy and varied operational environment. Your work will include: 

• supporting governance and decision-making, including reviewing Council reports, resolutions, and advising on statutory compliance; 
• drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, commercial agreements, and procurement documentation; 
• supporting property matters including acquisitions, disposals (including Public Works Act processes), leases, licences, easements, agreements to lease, and development agreements; 
• advising on infrastructure projects; 
• supporting regulatory and enforcement processes; 
• assisting with resource management and planning matters; 
• managing LGOIMA and Privacy Act requests; 
• identifying legal and regulatory risks and providing practical, solutions-focused advice; and instructing and liaising with external legal counsel where required. 

Further information about this role and about Council can be found by downloading the position description from our website or by contacting Gina Imlach, Manager, People and Capability on 06 370 6300.

He kōrero mōu | About you:

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

• Be either a qualified, mid-level Legal Executive or a junior Solicitor who enjoys variety, problem-solving, and practical legal work.
• Hold a Legal Executive qualification or New Zealand legal practising qualification is essential. Experience in a relevant role is preferred, but we're open to considering candidates at different stages of their career. Whether you're an emerging Solicitor or a mid-level Legal Executive, if you're confident working independently, apply sound judgement, and bring a proactive, can do attitude, we'd love to hear from you.
• You’ll need to be confident using legal research tools and comfortable working with modern technology to support your work. You can quickly locate, interpret, and apply legal information, and you use strong research skills and judgement to get to the heart of an issue. Experience using AI tools to support drafting, research, or workflow efficiency is an advantage. 
• You will work alongside the Legal Counsel and have access to external legal experts for specialist or complex matters, so you’re well supported as you grow your capability and confidence.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer:

At MDC we look after our people. Benefits for permanent Council staff include:

• five weeks’ annual leave  
• subsidised medical insurance for you and your family  
• fifteen days sick leave, plus an additional five days’ domestic leave  
• annual wellbeing allowance  
• great parental leave conditions   
• flexible working options  
• developmental opportunities  
• an active social club. 

Along with these benefits, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing your work makes a real difference in our community

Applying:

If you're enthusiastic about this opportunity and bring the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV, Cover Letter, and completed employment application form (available from our website) to peopleandcapability@mstn.govt.nz by 5:00pm on, Sunday 2 August 2026. Please note that applicants may be contacted at any stage during the advertising period.

Rere ngātahi, rere tapatahi, rere tai arapuke. Flow together, flow with integrity, flow to meet the swell (challenge).