Legal Counsel - Property

• Shape property law in a purpose-driven organisation
• Support property transactions, developments, and land initiatives
• Provide advice on property law, leasing, subdivisions, and Crown transactions

Te Whiwhinga Mahi - Our opportunity

We’re looking for two skilled and motivated Legal Counsel – Property experts to join our Legal and Risk

Directorate. This is a fantastic opportunity to work on meaningful property matters across a diverse

housing portfolio of approximately 78,000 homes that impact over 197,000 customers.

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. Transactional experience in a

hands-on environment and having responsibility for managing matters end to end will be highly

valued.

The property team sits within our Legal and Risk Directorate. 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 Legal Counsel, You Will

• Deliver clear, practical legal advice across a diverse property portfolio
• Support legal risk management and decision-making processes
• Contribute to building legal capability across the organisation

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)
• Experience in property law, subdivisions, sale and purchase agreements and leasing
• 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. We offer flexible working arrangements , genuine work-life balance, and a pogressive, inclusive culture that values diversity. These benefits are described in more detail here https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz/a-great-place-to-work/benefits .

As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure 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 across a broad legal environment.

Mō mātou - Our Organisation

At Kāinga Ora, ours is the important responsibility of transforming New Zealand’s housing choices, outcomes and the entire housing sector by creating homes and communities that allow New Zealanders to thrive.

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 values

Our 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 us

To view the position description and apply for this role, please follow the online process via https://careers.kaingaora.govt.nz. All applicants, including existing employees, need to follow this process. If you have any questions about this role, please contact kaingaora.recruit@kaingaora.govt.nz.

Applications close on Monday 26th October 2026 at 11:55pm. Don’t hesitate to apply, as we may review and interview applicants as they are received and reserve the right to close advertising early.

As part of our commitment to supporting employees through organisational change, affected Kāinga Ora employees will be considered for vacancies in the first instance.

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.