Senior Lawyer – Roia KahikaKaupapa Māori Team (Auckland)
Location: Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
Type: 2-year Contract (Pilot Programme)
Hours: Full-time
Auckland Community Law Centre (ACLC) is seeking a Senior Lawyer, Roia Kahika, to join our diverse team of Hapori Roia.
This is a unique opportunity to join our Māori Kaupapa Services team in a Senior role to help shape and strengthen our service delivery to whānau Māori.
Our 2 -year pilot has adopted the ‘Korowai Tuakiri’ which is a recognised framework developed by the Māori Caucus o Hapori Ture guiding the design and delivery of services relevant to our whānau Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau.
We acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundational document of Aotearoa New Zealand, shaping the relationships between Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti. We recognise its enduring significance in guiding our commitment to equity, justice, and partnership.
ACLC is New Zealand’s oldest community law centre. We are committed to providing access to justice for our clients. Our ongoing commitment is to make a genuine difference to our clients’ lives by helping them navigate their legal issues. Our goal is to build a better Aotearoa New Zealand through the fair application of the law.
About the Role:
As the Senior Lawyer, you will:
• Provide professional legal leadership and supervision to the Kaupapa Māori team.
• Deliver quality legal and education services to whānau Māori.
• Support the ongoing development of tikanga-aligned legal practices and processes.
• Support strong relationships with iwi, hapū, Māori service providers, and the wider community.
• Collaborate with ACLC’s management and legal teams to ensure integration with our wider service Kaupapa.
You will bring:
• 4–5+ years post-admission legal experience, ideally in general practice or community law.
• A strong grounding in Te Ao Māori, with a demonstrated commitment to working effectively with Māori.
• Fluency in Te Reo Māori is highly desirable but not essential.
• Experience in leadership, mentoring, or team supervision is an advantage.
• A current New Zealand practicing certificate or eligibility to hold one.
Why join us?
• Play a key role in transforming legal services for Māori.
• Be part of a supportive, passionate and values-driven organisation.
• Work in a dynamic and diverse team committed to social justice.
• Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.
This is a fixed-term role for 2 years, as part of a funded pilot programme. The role may be extended or made permanent depending on funding and programme outcomes.
To apply: Send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience to David Towle, General Manager, Auckland Community Law Centre - david@aclc.org.nz.
