About us

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand, offering a fantastic quality of life, vibrant communities, and a thriving economy. The Council works actively with residents to deliver services and facilities that help communities thrive and grow.

The Council's values are important to us and represent the way they work:

Be a good human, Be brave, Think differently, Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.

With our head office located in Rolleston, Selwyn District Council is well-positioned for both urban living and access to the wider region. As the district continues to grow rapidly, we're excited about the exceptional projects and initiatives on the horizon.

Due to maternity leave and subsequent internal movements, we now have an opportunity for a fixed-term Senior Counsel until 20^th June 2026 to support key strategic matters and contribute to this growth. We are open to 20-30 hours per week.

Selwyn District Council is a forward-thinking organisation making a real impact in one of New Zealand's most dynamic regions. We offer a flexible working environment and a range of benefits — including three additional days of annual leave between Christmas and New Year. Now is a great time to join our team.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Legal and Risk, you will play a vital role in providing expert guidance and advice to Council Members, the Executive Leadership Team, and staff. Your support on legal, strategic, commercial, and risk matters will be key to helping the Council achieve its strategic objectives. In doing this you will:

• Provide expert legal support across commercial, property, construction, and compliance matters.
• Ensure adherence to local government regulations and manage investigations or disputes.
• Identify, mitigate, and manage risks to safeguard Council operations.
• Develop effective partnerships with stakeholders and guide staff on legal matters.
• Contribute to strategic planning, reporting, and maintaining legal standards.
• Provide legal education and mentoring to staff, enhancing organisational capability.

You will be joining a team of four lawyers, established one year ago and with a broad mandate at a time of significant legislative reform for Local Government. This is an opportunity to be part of something which has a lasting impact on the way Council leads into the future. You will be supported in your own growth and have your ideas valued and championed. The team work hard, but genuinely seek to have fun while doing it.

About you

You have at least seven years of legal experience (although less will be considered for exceptional candidates) and your specialist expertise may include regulatory, commercial, property, and / or construction law. With a Bachelor of Laws and current practicing certificate (or ability to obtain), you bring a track record of providing sound, strategic advice in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Your ability to work independently on diverse legal matters, coupled with your technical proficiency ensures you excel in delivering practical, tailored solutions.

You're curious, eager to learn, and not afraid to tackle unfamiliar problems. You thrive on complexity and challenge, and you're always willing to give things a go.

Beyond your technical skills, you are a collaborative and forward-thinking team player. You have a natural ability to build relationships and tackle challenges with initiative and resilience, maintaining composure under pressure. Your effective communication ensures clarity and builds trust with stakeholders at all levels, while your adaptability allows you to thrive in dynamic, evolving environments.

Passionate about contributing to a positive team culture, you are ready to lead by example, delivering high-quality outcomes that align with organisational goals and values.

Applications will be progressed as they are recieved. Dont delay, apply now!