Rōia | Legal Counsel

• Do you want to put your legal expertise to work for the community?
• Do you want to join a supportive team where your advice helps shape decisions that matter to our district.

If yes, then we have the role for you! 

We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join our People & Performance group. You will be the go-to for in-house legal advice across Council, from property transactions and road legalisations to LGOIMA and Privacy Act requests, enforcement, contracts and policy. No two days will look the same, and your advice will help shape the way we serve the Matamata-Piako district.

About the role

• Provide timely, practical legal advice to staff and Council in clear, accessible language
• Undertake property conveyancing, road legalisations and LINZ registrations
• Initiate and respond to legal action, and brief and manage external legal advisors
• Support policy development, Council reports and staff training
• Maintain the Delegations Register and issue Warrants of Appointment

About you

• A law degree, admission to the New Zealand bar and a current practising certificate
• Ideally you have at least three years' experience (three to five years post-admission preferred)
• Excellent legal research and statutory interpretation skills, and a good understanding of legislation such as the Local Government Act and Resource Management Act
• Strong relationship management, negotiation and communication skills
• A sound knowledge of, and interest in, local government
• A full NZ driver's licence

The salary range reflects the level of competency, experience and technical ability demonstrated by the successful applicant. Our preference is to appoint an experienced Legal Counsel who can make an immediate contribution to the team. However, we are open to considering qualified candidates with the potential to further develop their career as we have in house capability for mentorship. Appointment level and remuneration will reflect the skills, qualifications, competencies, and experience of the successful applicant.

Why choose us?

At Matamata-Piako District Council we believe the way we do things really does make a difference in the lives of those who live in our district. We want to be your employer of choice – by helping you to balance life and work, by offering learning opportunities and offering benefits in a way that will assist you to thrive. We have a dynamic work environment with plenty of laughter and a friendly, welcoming and positive culture.

Some of the staff benefits we offer are:

• Flexible work arrangements and a family friendly work environment
• Sick leave on commencement of employment
• The ability to earn performance payments
• Extra annual leave awarded with years of service
• Long service leave
• Partners paid parental leave
• Subsidies at council pool facilities
• Free parking
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Access to wellbeing resources and workplace support

If you want to join a supportive, people-focused team where we do it right, we do it better and we do it together then apply today.

View the position description and apply for this position at www.joinourteam.co.nz and enter the job code 40093LGBL.

Applications close midday, Tuesday 24 November 2026.