Legal Counsel - Public Law

• Wellington based
• Permanent, full time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. 

About the Role

There is an opportunity to join our Public Law team, which sits in the national office of Health NZ based in Wellington.  The Public Law team provides specialist public law advice and legal support to national functions within Health NZ including Planning and Funding functions, the National Public Health Service, Hauora Māori Services and Digital Services. It also provides legal advice and support at a national level to the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer of Health NZ.

From significant public law and commercial advice relating to the commissioning of national health services, interpretation of statutory powers and duties, to regulatory change, Te Tiriti obligations and national medico-legal issues, the scope of work is broad-ranging, challenging and interesting. 

Key aspects of the role include:

• Providing advice regarding relevant statutory provisions to inform the carrying out of Health NZ's functions, duties, priorities and objectives.
• Co-ordinating and preparing Health NZ's responses to correspondence from external agencies and monitors, including Coroners, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, the Ombudsman, the Public Service Commission, and the Health and Disability Commissioner.
• Providing advice and legal support in relation to the negotiation, drafting and interpretation of commissioning agreements and other contracts entered into by Health NZ.
• Providing advice regarding interpretation of, compliance with, enforcement, or termination of contracts entered into by Health NZ.
• Providing legal input into developing and reviewing new policies and procedures, including identification of respective accountabilities and risks.
• Providing legal advice and support to Official Information Act team, review of responses to complex Official Information Act requests and advice on complaints to the Ombudsman.
• Providing advice on the need for legislative or regulatory change.

This is a full-time permanent role based in Wellington but we are open to applications from those seeking to work part-time (at least 4 days a week). 

About the Team/Service/ Location

Health New Zealand's legal team is at the heart of this transformation.  We work across New Zealand, supporting the operational work of our clinicians, hospitals and community health services. We are a collaborative and collegial team united by a commitment to support quality health services and outcomes. Our work is broad-ranging and critically important, including work on significant and often novel public law, regulatory, medico-legal and privacy issues, and major procurement, data & digital, commercial, construction, property and litigation matters.  This work is fundamental to achieving the kaupapa of our organisation.

About you

We are looking for a lawyer with at least four years' post-qualification experience, with

• Experience in commercial law or public law, within a private law firm or public sector legal team environment.
• Understanding of Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 and good administrative decision-making.
• Ability to provide timely and pragmatic advice and juggle numerous, often diverse, requests for assistance.
• High standards of professionalism and a drive to provide high quality legal advice and support to clients.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A strong academic record.
• Confidence managing complex matters and thinking strategically.
• Willingness to take on challenges, and to work collaboratively as part of a high performing and supportive team.
• Ability to create trusted and strong working relationships with diverse clients

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.   

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by Sunday, 28 September. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Matt Kelly at matt.kelly@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.