Crown Counsel — Treaty of Waitangi

The Crown Law Office is seeking Crown Counsel for its Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi group in Wellington. Crown Law represents the Crown in all matters before the Waitangi Tribunal and manages Treaty settlement litigation. This is a unique role at the intersection of constitutional law, indigenous rights, and New Zealand's most significant legal framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the Crown before the Waitangi Tribunal in historical and contemporary Treaty claims
• Advise the Attorney-General and Ministers on Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and settlement processes
• Prepare evidence and submissions for Tribunal inquiries into Crown actions and policies
• Handle Treaty-related judicial review proceedings in the High Court and Court of Appeal
• Advise on post-settlement governance entities and relationship agreements between iwi and the Crown

Requirements

• Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand with a current Practising Certificate
• 4-7 years PQE in public law, Treaty of Waitangi, or constitutional law
• Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi, Treaty settlement process, and Waitangi Tribunal procedures
• Understanding of tikanga Maori and ability to work respectfully in cross-cultural settings
• New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency (security vetting required)