Pae Tukutuku | Northland

Job Description

Pae Tukutuku / Case Progression Officer

Whangārei, Te Kooti Whenua Māori / Māori Land Court

Full Time and Fixed Term (12 months) Opporunities 

Te āhuatunga a Te Kooti Whenua Māori/About the Māori Land Court

“Kia tū hei Kooti Whenua Māori e tāwharau nei i te pae tangata, i te pae whenua, i te whare kōrero.”

“To be a Māori Court that provides a shelter for the people, their land and their kōrero.”

We are a Court of record. Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 (our Act) recognises the significance of whenua Māori as a taonga tuku iho of special significance to Māori. Our role is to provide a Court service for owners of whenua Māori, their whānau and their hapū.

We are striving to be a tikanga based workplace and we look to live our tikanga values every day:

For more information on what we do go to https://maorilandcourt.govt.nz

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

As a Pae Tukutuku, you'll play an important role in supporting our judges as they prepare landowner applications for court hearings and decisions. A big part of this mahi involves researching whakapapa and working closely with applicants, their legal representatives, and the judiciary to help present cases in court.

You'll dive into researching and analysing evidence, putting together draft reports that help our judges and registrars make informed decisions. Accuracy, timeliness, and responsiveness to judicial direction are all key — and you'll be backed by national standards that guide your work.

You may also be the friendly face (or voice!) greeting our court users — whether that's in person at the counter, or through emails, phone calls, and online channels.

We'll support you to grow your knowledge of our processes, legislation, and regulations. Your relationship-building skills will help make a real difference for Māori landowners and their aspirations for their whenua and future generations.

The mahi is meaningful, varied, and full of opportunities to learn and grow — all within a supportive and dynamic team environment.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

The role of the Māori Land Court as a people's court is unique and if you believe you can bring value to the work of the court, we will support you through an intensive induction and training programme to help you to succeed.

We're after someone who's not only interested in the role, but genuinely excited to make a difference. Ideally, you'll bring:

• a natural interest in people and a passion for providing outstanding customer service
• strong organisational skills, with integrity and discretion at the heart of how you work
• sharp research and analytical skills, backed by excellent written and verbal communication
• experience in a medium or large organisation, and confidence using digital systems and workflows
• the ability to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment
• great attention to detail and strong admin skills — you take pride in producing high-quality work
• experience working alongside other agencies, service providers, or key stakeholders
• a sound understanding of tikanga Māori and a commitment to growing your knowledge of Te Reo Māori
• a team-focused mindset — you're flexible, calm, and resilient, and enjoy collaborating with others.

Legal knowledge or experience working with legislation is a plus, 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.

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
• 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 remuneration band for this role is $59,729 to $80,794 per annum.  Your salary offer salary will be based on skills and experience you are able to bring to this role.

In addition, there is a Reo Māori allowance (from $1,000 up to $3,200).  This is dependent on completion of an approved assessment with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Level Finder Examination.

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 Friday, 6 June; 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 recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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