2x Senior Legal Counsel

About us

The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko is an independent Crown entity that regulates the electricity market. We are a kaitiaki of electricity, and our purpose is to enhance New Zealanders’ lives, prosperity, and environment through electricity.

The electricity industry is at a pivotal moment, with the journey towards renewable energy sources and innovation reshaping how we operate for the long-term benefit of consumers.

It’s an exciting time to join the Authority as we grow our capabilities, expand our reach, build a team ready to empower consumers, boost market competition and strengthen future networks. Our focus is on making a difference by driving through a bold, collaborative work programme and delivering value for the communities we serve.

About the role

We are looking for two Senior Legal Counsel to join our high-performing legal team.

As an essential part of the team, you will have an opportunity to advise on a range of matters including interesting and challenging regulatory projects. 

A major focus of this role is providing legal advice to support the Authority’s compliance and enforcement functions.  You will provide high quality legal analysis on complex alleged breaches of the Electricity Industry Act, the Electricity Industry Participation Code, and related regulatory obligations. 

You will be joining a fantastic, supportive legal team which will provide you with great opportunities to do interesting and meaningful work.

About you 

You will have a solid amount of experience, ideally in public or regulatory law. You will have active leadership skills and be confident working autonomously and leading the provision of legal advice to project teams.

Experience in compliance, investigations, enforcement, or competition law and economic regulation would be an advantage.

You will have excellent relationship management skills and be comfortable engaging with internal and external stakeholders on sensitive, complex compliance matters.

You will enjoy working collaboratively and be committed to delivering client-focused, pragmatic legal advice.  As a team, we’re always looking for ways to do things differently and improve our service, so you will be keen to contribute your ideas.

Although it is not a requirement, experience in the energy sector or in a crown entity would be an advantage.

Our ideal candidate

You will bring the following:

• A tertiary qualification (LLB or equivalent) with 6+ years PQE
• Admission as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand
• An understanding of public sector legal issues and requirements
• Sensitivity to the unique issues of working within the public sector framework
• Excellent critical reasoning and analytical skills
• The ability to interpret, apply, and draft legislation
• Curiosity, flexibility, and openness in integrating ideas, information, and differing perspectives
• An aptitude for quickly understanding technical information, economic evidence, or market data to support legal advice
• The ability to prioritise work and manage competing deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• The ability to build and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

Although it’s not a requirement, experience in the energy sector or advising on compliance, investigations, or enforcement matters in a regulatory public sector or similar environment would be an advantage.

Why work for us?

We support a healthy work-life balance and offer a range of benefits to support our teams.

• Flexible working options 
• Ongoing training, support, and professional development to help you grow
• Regular social events to connect with colleagues across the year.
  

Are you interested? 

If you're ready for a challenge and want to help shape the future of electricity in New Zealand, click "apply now" and complete the online application form including a cover letter.

More detailed information about this position can be found in the position description below, if you have any additional questions about this role, please email MyHR@ea.govt.nz

To apply for this role, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand at the time of submitting your application.

Applications close Wednesday 4 March 2026

We may start considering applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.