Experienced Legislative Drafters

Would you like to work at the heart of government, designing and developing New Zealand’s laws?

ABC plays a critical and distinctive role in developing and designing legislation. We work closely with our colleagues across Government to deliver legislation that is fit-for-purpose, constitutionally sound, and accessible.

We are looking to grow our team of experienced legislative drafters. As part of this team, you will work alongside and lead other counsel and gain a fascinating insight into the politics, policy development, and legal design behind New Zealand’s legislation.

A legislative drafting role in New Zealand offers the opportunity to:

- work on “greenfield” projects which require unique and innovative legal solutions
- enhance and adjust existing legislation in response to developing situations
- analyse complex legal issues
- collaborate with and influence some of Government’s top lawyers and policy analysts
- work on legislation as it proceeds through Parliamentary and select committee processes and more!

What we are looking for

We are looking for drafters with significant experience working as a legislative drafter.

You will hold appropriate legal qualifications and have at least 7 years legislative drafting experience in a legislative drafting office in New Zealand or overseas. However, we would consider applications from people with fewer years of drafting experience, provided they have worked in a legislative drafting office. We are looking at appointing at different levels, please see how to apply below for the position descriptions.

You will need:

- to be able to draft a high volume of complex legislation, in high pressure situations
- to provide a significant contribution to the Drafting Group’s professional leadership programme
- excellent legal, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to break down complex ideas and reason logically
- to be able to work under pressure within a team, leading a team, and independently
- a high level of initiative and judgement, flexibility, and a sense of responsibility

ABC is committed to supporting the Crown to be an effective Treaty partner and is currently developing its te ao Māori strategy. One component of this strategy is to grow our capacity in te reo Māori and to draft legislation in te reo Māori. There are opportunities to influence and guide ABC’s response to this rapidly developing area for those fluent in te reo Māori and with knowledge of tikanga Māori.

What we offer you

This is an excellent opportunity to join a professional and highly respected organisation. ABC is a small and friendly office of around 100 people with a passion for producing great legislation.

We value our people and provide a flexible and supportive environment where each individual can thrive and be who they are. We embrace diversity, and welcome the fresh energy and perspectives that new team members bring to our work.

Our benefits include five weeks’ annual leave, a vision and hearing subsidy, exercise subsidy, in-house te reo Māori classes, flexible working policy to support work-life balance, and more. We have an active social committee, a netball team, and free access to the gymnasium and swimming pool in the parliamentary complex.

How to apply

ABC is accredited with Immigration New Zealand and can support successful applicants from overseas with their applications for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). For information about New Zealand work or residence visas, please visit www.immigration.govt.nz.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 5 May 2024.