Work for us

Wellington | Regulatory & Litigation Focus | Meaningful Public Sector Work

Are you a solicitor with litigation or regulatory experience looking for work that combines interesting legal issues, genuine public impact, and the opportunity to develop as an in-house lawyer?

The Real Estate Authority | Te Mana Papawhenua (REA) is seeking an Intermediate Solicitor to join our Legal Services team.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of New Zealand's real estate regulatory system, providing legal advice, supporting disciplinary processes, and helping protect consumers in one of the country's most important sectors.

The role | Mō te tūnga

Reporting to the Legal Services Manager and working closely with the General Counsel, you'll provide legal advice across a wide range of regulatory, public law, and litigation matters. This is a varied role that will see you:

• Providing practical legal advice to REA staff, senior leaders, the Board, and Complaints Assessment Committees
• Supporting licensing, disciplinary, and regulatory decision-making
• Managing litigation and tribunal matters, including working with external counsel where required 
• Conducting legal research and contributing to regulatory and strategic projects
• Assisting REA to identify, manage, and minimise legal risk 
• Developing expertise in the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 and the broader regulatory framework within which REA operates 

You'll work on matters that are legally complex, and important to maintaining public trust in the real estate sector.

About you| Mōu

We're looking for a lawyer who combines strong technical capability with sound judgement, initiative, and a practical approach to problem-solving.

You will bring:

•       An LLB and current New Zealand practising certificate (or the ability to get one);
• Three or more years' post-admission experience
• Experience in litigation, regulatory law, public law, or dispute resolution
• Experience appearing before tribunals or courts, or managing litigation matters
• Strong legal research, analysis, and written communication skills
• The ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice to non-legal audiences
•  Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A collaborative and collegial approach to working with others
• Experience working within a regulator, government agency, Crown entity, or public sector environment would be advantageous but is not essential. 

The benefits | Ngā painga

At REA, you'll find:

•  A high-performing legal team where your work is visible, valued, and makes a real difference
• Interesting and varied regulatory and litigation work 
• Exposure to senior decision-makers and complex legal issues 
• Opportunities to build expertise in public and regulatory law 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• A culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement and professional growth
• The chance to contribute to better outcomes for consumers and communities throughout New Zealand

If you're looking for a role where you can grow your legal career while contributing to an important public purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply | Tono mai

Please direct any queries and send your CV, Cover Letter and a completed application form to recruitment@rea.govt.nz

The job description is here [PDF, 241 KB]

The application form can be found here.  [DOCX, 118 KB]

We welcome people who bring a range of perspectives, skills and experience. We encourage you to apply if you meet most of our requirements for the role.

Please let us know if you have any support or accessibility needs so we can assist you during the recruitment process.

Closing date 5pm, 2 July 2026.

Please note, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful appointment is conditional upon police vetting and qualification checks.

Lead a talented legal team. Shape regulatory outcomes. Make a real difference.

Wellington | Permanent | Leadership Opportunity

Do you enjoy leading high-performing lawyers while remaining close to complex and meaningful legal work?

The Real Estate Authority | Te Mana Papawhenua (REA) is looking for an exceptional legal leader to join our Legal Services team as Legal Services Manager.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly capable team of regulatory lawyers working at the heart of New Zealand's real estate regulatory system. You'll help shape the future of legal services within REA while influencing outcomes that promote consumer protection, professional standards, and public confidence in the real estate sector.

The role | Mō te tūnga

Reporting to the General Counsel, you'll lead a team of talented solicitors responsible for delivering legal advice, litigation, regulatory policy support, and operational legal services across the organisation.

You'll provide leadership, mentoring and strategic direction while remaining actively involved in complex legal matters, including:

• Regulatory decisions and enforcement matters
• Litigation before the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal and courts
•  Administrative and public law issues
• Governance and statutory interpretation advice
• Regulatory policy and legislative reform work
• Privacy, information and organisational risk matters

You'll work closely with senior leaders across REA and contribute to the continued development of an effective, high-performing legal function.

About you| Mōu

You might currently be:

•  A Senior Solicitor or Principal Solicitor looking to progress their people leadership experience; or
• An experienced legal manager seeking a broader and more varied regulatory environment.

Either way, you'll bring:

• A current New Zealand practising certificate
• Strong litigation, regulatory, public law, or enforcement experience
• Sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex legal issues
• A collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing others
• Excellent relationship management and communication skills
• A pragmatic approach focused on solutions and outcomes

Most importantly, you'll enjoy working in a regulatory environment where the work is varied, intellectually challenging, and genuinely matters.

The benefits | Ngā painga |

At REA you'll find:

• A high-performing and supportive legal team
• Interesting and varied work across litigation, advisory, policy and regulation
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities to influence organisational strategy and regulatory practice
•  A culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement and professional growth
• The chance to contribute to better outcomes for consumers and communities throughout New Zealand

If you're looking for a role that combines leadership, legal excellence, and meaningful public service, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply | Tono mai

Please direct any queries and send your CV, Cover Letter and a completed application form to recruitment@rea.govt.nz

The job description if here [PDF, 247 KB]

The application form can be found here [DOCX, 118 KB]

We welcome people who bring a range of perspectives, skills and experience. We encourage you to apply if you meet most of our requirements for the role.

Please let us know if you have any support or accessibility needs so we can assist you during the recruitment process.

Closing date 5pm, 29 June 2026.

Please note, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful appointment is conditional upon police vetting and qualification checks.