About us

Senior Investigator – Kaihōpara Matua
Principal Legal Adviser - Rōia Mātāmua

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā
Kia hiwa rā ki tēnei tuku
Kia hiwa rā ki tērā tuku
Kia tū, kia oho,
kia mataara!

We have a supportive team environment with genuine career progression opportunities and a positive and inclusive organisational culture. Committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we work in partnership with Māori to take a te ao Māori perspective on privacy. Everyone can have the option of working from home arrangements. We are proud of our culture and people and are a supportive, collaborative, and diverse workplace where you can truly be yourself.

Please note, we can only consider applicants who are legally entitled to work in New Zealand at the time of application.

Your application must be made via Seek - please use the links below. We are getting a lot of applicants, which is great, and Seek helps us manage the flow.

For further information email vacancies@privacy.org.nz. We know that applying for a new job can be daunting so please ask all the questions you have.

Senior Investigator – Kaihōpara Matua

Wellington or Auckland based.
Salary band indication: $80,000 - $120,000.
All applications require a covering letter and CV.
Please apply via Seek.
Applications close 29 September.
Read the job description for this position.

Engage with compelling and developing privacy issues
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is Aotearoa New Zealand’s privacy regulator, protecting the taonga that is personal information. Our mahi identifies and addresses systemic and population-scale privacy issues, increases good privacy practice, and champions the privacy rights of all New Zealanders.

We work in partnership with Māori to take a te ao Māori perspective on privacy and engage and empower people and communities who are more vulnerable to serious privacy harm.

Ko tā mātou mahi – the role
We are looking for a Senior Investigator to join our Investigations and Dispute Resolution team based in Auckland or Wellington. Reporting to the Manager, Investigations and Dispute Resolution, you will investigate alleged breaches of the Privacy Act 2020, with a view to facilitating settlement wherever possible.

We have a strong emphasis on the use of alternative dispute resolution to resolve complaints. You will have the opportunity to be involved in conciliations and shuttle negotiation, write objective, well-reasoned opinions about complaints and investigations.

We are looking for a true senior who can hit the ground running, be able to handle our more complex cases, and help coach and mentor less experienced team members. This is a great opportunity for a high performing individual with the proven experience, skills, and competencies to step up into a senior position.

We believe in growing our people, and you will be actively supported in your professional development.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu – what you need to bring

A tertiary legal qualification or relevant experience in interpreting and applying legal principles.
Experience investigating disputes or complaints, particularly in a regulatory environment, would be an advantage.
Experience in the use of mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve disputes would likewise be an advantage.
Strong analytical skills and sound judgement.
Great communications skills, both oral and written.
Strong inter-personal skills, and the ability to engage with people from all walks of life, including the ability to deal effectively with complex behaviours and challenging material.
Ability to manage competing priorities.
Results-oriented approach to work.
Proven ability to work independently but also be a strong team player.

Principal Legal Adviser - Roia Mātāmua

Wellington based.
All applications require a covering letter and CV.
Please apply via Seek.
Applications close 10 October.
Read the job description for this position.

Ko tā mātou mahi – the role
We have an opportunity for a Principal Legal Adviser to join our Wellington-based Legal team, reporting to the General Counsel.

As the Principal Legal Adviser, you will provide expert legal and privacy advice on the application of the Privacy Act and the exercise of functions under the Act. This includes providing strategic legal advice on privacy regulatory and compliance action, the application and/or interpretation of privacy law, and the legal and privacy implications of draft or existing legislation and government or business initiatives. You would work with our business teams to provide pragmatic and solutions-based advice for the effective delivery of our objectives and functions.

You will be joining an organisation that has a focus on and commitment to human rights, diversity and inclusion and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are a progressive and innovative organisation where your contribution would be valued and what you do can help make a difference to people’s lives. We have a strong commitment to professional development and offer flexible working.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu – what you need to bring

10+ years relevant PQE.
Experience in privacy law, health law, regulatory compliance and/or public law in public or private sector.
Excellent statutory interpretation skills.
Solutions-based approach to providing advice.
Great communication skills, both verbal and written.
Familiarity or an interest in how privacy intersects with human rights law, tikanga Māori and policy.
High attention to detail.