Judges Associate

The Employment Court of New Zealand | Te Kōti Take Mahi o Aotearoa has an exciting opportunity for an experienced person [they need not currently be a JA] to join our small national Court as a Judge's Associate. In that role you will assist your Judge to maximise their ability to carry out their judicial and extra judicial responsibilities.
You will work closely with your designated Judge to provide them with professional, confidential, administrative and secretarial support. On an administrative level you will report to the Judicial Support Manager.
Specific duties include:

* Provide a comprehensive and confidential secretarial service to your Judge.
* Provide effective and efficient record-keeping and filing services and systems.
* Maintain a contemporaneous and non-contemporaneous record of court hearings.
* Prioritise work. Deal with work in the appropriate order of importance and recognise the work that is urgent.
* Effectively use all software applications relevant to the role, to optimise work performance.
* Arrange Judges' travel and accommodation.
* Develop and maintain effective relationships with Judges, your Associate peers and other Employment Court team members.
* There may be an opportunity to undertake Court taking duties from time to time, by agreement with your Judge.


Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you!

* Previous experience providing high level executive assistance, personal assistance, or secretarial support in a complex and busy environment.
* Demonstrates a strong level of organisation and the ability to prioritise work effectively and meet deadlines.
* Demonstrates exceptional levels of professionalism, integrity (including the ability to appropriately handle confidential information) and to work effectively with a wide range of people at varying levels both within and outside the organisation.
* Ability to work at a high level of independence, professionalism and self-initiation.
* Bring a working knowledge of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the implications of these for the work of Te Tāhū o te Ture – Ministry of Justice, or a commitment to upskilling in this area.
* Experience using FTR/Olympus Dictation Systems would be an advantage, but not essential.
* Previous experience in a legal or court environment is an advantage, but not essential.


Mō mātou/About us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The Employment Court of New Zealand | Te Kōti Take Mahi o Aotearoa is a specialist national court, which the Ministry of Justice provides operational support to. On average the Court receives and processes around 200 cases per year. The Court has a largely appellate jurisdiction, hearing challenges to determinations of the Employment Relations Authority. It also hears questions of interpretation of law, disputes over strikes and lockouts and exercises powers of judicial review. More information about the Court is available on our website www.employmentcourt.govt.nz.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

* 4.4 weeks holiday leave.
* flexible work hours where possible.
* an online professional development portal.
* access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks.

See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $67,066 and $85,567 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on 10 February 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
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