Senior Legal Counsel – Property

Job title: Senior Legal Counsel – Property

Company: Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities


Job description:

• Shape the future of property law in a dynamic, purpose-driven organisation
• Lead complex legal matters across property transactions, development, and land management at scale
• Provide expert guidance across property law, resource management as it applies to subdivisions, and Crown related transactions
• Permanent role | Based in Wellington or Auckland at $183,249 salary + 5 weeks annual leave + Benefits

Te Whiwhinga Mahi – Our opportunityWe’re seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Legal Counsel – Property to join our Legal and Risk Directorate. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and advise on property matters across a diverse housing portfolio of approximately 75,000 homes that impact over 187,000 customers and a housing portfolio.You’ll be part of a high-performing legal and risk team supporting complex property transactions and land development initiatives across New Zealand. Your work will span agreements for sale and purchase, leasing, development agreements, resource management law as it applies to subdivisions and Crown-related legal frameworks including the Public Works Act. Experience in Crown land, Public Works Act, Road Stopping and Land Exchange Agreements, large-scale divestments and land acquisition programmes will be highly valued.The property team sits within our Legal and Risk Directorate as a Senior Legal Counsel – Property. You’ll be working in a dynamic and high-paced legal environment, providing specialist advice on a wide range of legal risks and property-related issues.This role is part of the Property Legal team, which provides interpretation and advice on legislation such as Housing Act 1955 and various Treaty Settlements in respect to the exercise of the right of first refusal. The team also manages property legal queries, contentious matters and provides guidance to internal staff and leaders.As Senior Legal Counsel, you’ll:

• provide strategic legal advice, manage risk, and support decision-making across a diverse property portfolio,
• contribute to mentoring and training, helping build legal capability across the organisation.
• play a critical leadership role, applying sound judgement, technical legal expertise, and strategic thinking.

We’re looking for someone who can support our in-house legal operations and help lead responses across a diverse property portfolio.If you’re excited about improving housing outcomes and leading legal strategy in a fast-moving and purpose-led environment — we’d love to hear from you.Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu – What you will bring

• A New Zealand practising certificate (or ability to obtain one)
• Proven expertise in property law, subdivisions, sale and purchase agreements, leasing and development agreements
• Good experience in resource management law as it applies to subdivisions
• Current E-Dealing licence
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships across business groups
• Proven experience working under pressure and delivering legal advice at pace
• A commitment to remaining curious, continuously learning, and exploring innovative legal solutions

Nōu te rourou – What’s in it for you?We offer competitive salaries, five weeks’ annual leave and a benefits package including a range of insurances, flexible working arrangements and career development. These benefits are described in more detail hereAs a Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities.Mō mātou – Our OrganisationAt Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive and supporting our social housing customers to live well in their homes.What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders’ lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa.We are passionate about transforming New Zealand for the better. That includes being a trusted partner for Māori and iwi, protecting and enabling their rights, interests and aspirations under the guidance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.Ō Tātou Uara – Our ValuesOur values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day. Our values are:

• Manaakitanga- People at the Heart
• Mahi Tahi- Better Together
• Whanake- Be Bold

Tūhono mai – Join usTo view the position description and apply for this role, please follow the online process via .If you have any questions, please contact Aash Karnawat,Please note Kāinga Ora is going through change and preference will be given to the internal employees’ applications whose substantive role has been confirmed disestablished.Applications close at 11.55pm on Thursday 31st July 2025.We value diversity and are committed to working with each other and our customers in an inclusive and respectful way. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and appreciate the richness of experience that your point of difference brings to the organisation.

Expected salary:

Location: Wellington – Auckland

Job date: Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:08:02 GMT

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