_{27th August, 2026}

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced legal leader to join Whakaata Māori, Aotearoa New Zealand's national indigenous media organisation.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, Board and other senior leaders, you will serve as the principal legal adviser at Whakaata Māori, providing strategic counsel across legal, governance, compliance, privacy and risk matters at the highest levels of the organisation.

This is a role for a senior lawyer who enjoys operating strategically, leading through influence and working within an organisation deeply committed to kaupapa Māori values.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will lead and develop a growing Legal & Compliance function and provide advice on a range of complex matters, as well as ensuring robust governance, compliance and risk management frameworks are in place across the business.

Key responsibilities include: providing authoritative, solutions-focused legal advice to senior leaders and the Board; leading the organisation's legal and compliance framework and managing legal risk; advising on complex commercial and contractual matters, funding arrangements, partnerships, and negotiations, as well as regulatory and organisational matters; acting as Privacy Officer; supporting significant organisational projects and initiatives; advising on editorial, broadcasting and reputational matters; overseeing complex complaints to regulatory bodies such as the Broadcasting Standards Authority, the NZ Media Council and the Advertising Standards Authority; engaging and managing external legal counsel; ensuring the Legal & Compliance function is operating efficiently and effectively; and embedding tikanga Māori and te ao Māori perspectives across all legal and compliance activities.

In return, you'll enjoy a collaborative, values-led environment, flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to an organisation that plays a unique role in Aotearoa.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

You will be a commercially astute senior lawyer with strong judgment, who can provide practical, solutions-focused advice and operate confidently at senior leadership level. Ideally, you will bring:

• A Bachelor of Laws and a current New Zealand practising certificate (or ability to hold one).
• At least 7 years' post-qualification experience gained in private practice or in a public sector or commercial in-house environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic legal advice at senior leadership or governance level, as well as proven people leadership experience.
• Strong commercial and contract law experience, and experience across governance reporting, risk management, regulatory compliance and privacy.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.
• An understanding of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and a commitment to values-led practice.

Experience in media, broadcasting, Crown entities or the public sector would be advantageous, as would experience in media law, intellectual property, privacy law, and regulatory or statutory frameworks.

Fluency in te reo Māori is preferred, although candidates demonstrating a genuine commitment to developing their te reo capability are also encouraged to apply.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If you are ready to contribute to the purpose and vision of Whakaata Māori through strong legal leadership and the provision of expert strategic and legal advice, we would welcome your application.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and the experience you would bring to Whakaata Māori. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 18 September 2026.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Katy Elliott on 021 483 490 or via email at katy.elliott@nicherecruitment.co.nz

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