Senior Solicitor

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.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solicitor with a strong interest or background in legislative drafting and regulatory design to play a key role in the Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme —a 2-year modernisation of  New Zealand’s aviation rules framework.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute directly to the drafting, amendment, and development of aviation legislation that underpins the safety and performance of the entire sector.

This is a 2-year fixed term contract.

What You Will Do

You will be a central legal adviser supporting the design, drafting, consultation, and implementation of new and updated Civil Aviation Rules. You will work closely with policy specialists, technical experts, operational staff, and the Ministry of Transport to ensure rules are legally robust, clear, and fit for purpose.

You will:

• Draft and review Civil Aviation Rules and associated legislative instruments.
• Analyse legal, technical, and policy issues affecting proposed rule changes and present clear written advice.
• Lead or support the legal review of regulatory proposals, options papers, and consultation documents.
• Ensure rule development aligns with the Civil Aviation Act, international aviation obligations, administrative law principles, and regulatory best practice.
• Guide teams through the legislative process, from strategic design to drafting standards and industry consultation.
• Manage legal issues that arise through the Rules Programme’s development, implementation, and integration phases.
• Maintain and update key legislative resources, including working copies of relevant Acts and rules.

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 Bring

You will be an analytical, collaborative, and articulate legal professional who enjoys working at the intersection of law, policy, and technical regulation.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in public, administrative, or international law.
• Demonstrated skill in legislative or regulatory drafting, rules development, or policy-law integration.
• Strong legal research and writing capability, with experience preparing detailed legal analyses.
• Proven ability to identify, explain, and manage legal risks in complex regulatory environments.
• Experience advising senior leaders and managing sensitive or high-impact legal matters.

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of constitutional and administrative law, including statutory interpretation and human rights considerations.
• Understanding of international obligations and how international standards are implemented domestically.
• Experience with transport or aviation law is an advantage, but not essential for strong legal drafters.

Qualifications

• LLB and admission as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
• Current practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).

Apply Now

If you’re passionate about legislative design and want to apply your expertise to an impactful, nationally significant regulatory project, 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.