Rules Drafter - Fixed Term, Rules Update Programme

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation.

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. 

With a new strategy to support this, we’ve got clarity on CAA’s long-term vision, where we will focus our effort, and the positive impacts we want to make through the delivery of our safety and security activities. 

Part of this is a work programme to update the Civil Aviation Rules — an important step in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future. Now’s the time to get on board and help us ensure that the rules remain responsive to technological change, evolving industry needs, and international standards. 

If you're ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity.

We are seeking an experienced Rules Drafter, to join our team on a fixed-term basis to support the Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme — a 2-year modernisation of New Zealand’s aviation rules framework.

About the Role

As a Rules Drafter, you will play a pivotal role in drafting Civil Aviation Rules, Transport Instruments, and Notices that ensure New Zealand’s aviation system remains safe, modern, coherent, and responsive.

You will work closely with policy specialists, legal advisors, technical experts, and officials across government to turn complex policy and technical concepts into clear, legally robust, plain-language legislation.

This role contributes directly to the leadership, stewardship, and improvement of the civil aviation regulatory system—and supports the CAA’s commitment to regulatory excellence.

This is a 2-year fixed term contract.

What You Will Do

In this role you will:

• Draft precise, plain-language rules and other secondary legislation.
• Ensure drafting aligns with legislative requirements, government drafting standards, and Civil Aviation Act processes.
• Support preparation of  explanatory and consultation material.
• Work with the programme team  to understand technical and specialist inputs needed for aviation standards.
• Engage with subject matter experts to ensure secondary legislation meets both safety and policy objectives.
• Peer-review outputs from other drafters working on the programme.
• Support and participate in public consultation in line with statutory requirements.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Ministry of Transport, Parliamentary Counsel Office, and other officials.
• Contribute to training and education on rules for CAA staff and the aviation sector.
• Provide advice on the interpretation of Civil Aviation Rules, Transport Instruments, and Notices.

This role has no financial or people management delegations.

The salary range for this role is $115 536 to $141 751. The starting salary will be dependent on your skills and experience, and will take into account internal relativities within the team.

What You Will Bring

We’re looking for someone with:

• Significant experience drafting legislation and leading regulatory drafting projects, ideally within New Zealand or a comparable Commonwealth jurisdiction.
• A current or eligible New Zealand Law Society Practising Certificate.
• Strong analytical ability and proven experience translating complex policy into effective legislative solutions.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks and resolving complex legal or drafting issues.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary project environments with diverse stakeholders.
• The ability to plan and manage a high volume of work in a fast-moving environment.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality, accuracy, and consistency.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to influence, collaborate, and provide subject matter leadership.
• An understanding of public sector legal frameworks and the machinery of government.

Why Join Us?

At the CAA, you’ll be part of a team making a genuine impact on the safety of New Zealanders and all who fly here. You’ll contribute to a major, high-profile regulatory reform programme, gain exposure across the transport system, and help shape legislation that will guide the aviation sector for decades to come.

Apply Now

If you’re an experienced legislation drafter who wants to help build a safer, more modern, and more coherent aviation regulatory system for Aotearoa, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and Cover Letter. Please note that your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so highlight how your experience aligns with the key skills required for this role.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is equitable and accessible for you, please let us know.

For more information on the role, please view the position description. For any questions, please contact Patrice Wilkin on recruitment@caa.govt.nz. *Please note we can not accept email applications.

Applications close: Tuesday 06/01/2026.

*Please note: we will assess applications as they are received and the closing date may be earlier.