Legal Counsel - fixed term/secondment role until 16 January 2026at New Zealand Customs Service -
Work with a team that values collaboration and innovation Opportunities for growth and career development Be part of a progressive, inclusive and dynamic business Auckland based with options to work flexibly from home.We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join the Customs Legal
- Operations team, based in our Auckland Customhouse.
About this role…Reporting to the Chief Legal Counsel
- Operations, you will work across many exciting legal areas, including law enforcement, national security, drugs and other prohibited goods, and tax/revenue collection.
- Operations team works in a fast-paced operational environment providing legal advice on a wide range of issues arising under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 and other Acts we enforce at the border.
You will provide expert advice on a wide range of legal matters affecting Customs and ensure the delivery of high-quality advice and professional service.
You will enjoy engaging with the business to deliver results and, where appropriate, mentor less experienced colleagues to support their development in role.To be successful as a Legal Counsel
- Operations, you will: have excellent legal research, statutory interpretation, and advice writing skills; build strong relationships to work in partnership with officers, managers, other government departments, and external partners; currently hold or be eligible to hold a New Zealand practising certificate; and have a genuine interest in Customs and border protection.How to apply… To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or NZ permanent resident*.
(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application;OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last five years and resides in NZ at time of application, but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA.
You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.Applicants must have New Zealand Citizenship or have NZ Permanent Residency and be able to obtain and maintain an organisational security clearance to a higher level.
The successful applicant will also be required to pass an initial drug test.For further information about the role, please contact Sisilia Eteuati (Chief Legal Counsel) at Sisilia.Eteuati@customs.govt.nz or Suzanne Leahy (Senior Recruitment Advisor) at Suzanne.leahy@customs.govt.nzNew Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace.
We provide equal employment opportunities, consider flexible working arrangements and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.Please visit our website http://www.customs.govt.nz.to apply online by submitting a CV and cover letter that demonstrates your ability to meet the competencies required for the role as outlined in the position description along with what attracts you to this position and working within the New Zealand Customs Service.For interest in a secondment opportunity, please ensure that you have the approval and support of your manager before applying.Applications close at 5pm, Friday 20 June 2025.