The Pro-Bono Legal Advisor will provide expert legal counsel and strategic advice to Tiaki Taonga Trust Wai 262, focusing on areas such as constitutional law, international law, environmental law, Māori land rights, intellectual property rights, Tikanga Lore, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. This role is critical in supporting the Trust’s mission to advocate for the protection of Māori flora, fauna, cultural heritage, and intellectual property rights under national and international legal frameworks.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Legal Advisory and Representation:
o Provide legal advice on complex legal issues related to He Whakaputanga 1835, Te
Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, Tino Rangatiratanga, Tikanga Lore, and Māori land rights.
o Advise on breaches of national and international laws affecting Māori rights,
including environmental, constitutional, and intellectual property laws.
o Support the development of legal strategies for reparations and advocacy efforts
with governmental and international bodies.
2. Documentation and Legal Drafting:
o Draft, review, and revise legal documents including contracts, agreements,
submissions, legal opinions, and advocacy letters.
o Prepare legal submissions to international bodies, such as the United Nations,
regarding breaches of indigenous rights and environmental protections.
3. Advocacy and Litigation Support:
o Support litigation efforts related to the Wai 262 claim, including legal research, case
preparation, and liaising with courts or tribunals.
o Provide legal representation or coordinate with external counsel when necessary.
4. Policy and Legislative Analysis:
o Analyze legislative changes, governmental policies, and legal decisions that impact
Māori rights and provide recommendations.
o Prepare comprehensive legal reports on national and international legislation
affecting indigenous rights.
5. Capacity Building and Training:
o Provide legal training and workshops to Trust members, stakeholders, and the wider
community on Māori legal rights and international advocacy frameworks.
o Mentor junior legal volunteers or interns supporting the Trust's work.
6. Stakeholder Engagement:
o Engage with government agencies, legal institutions, international organizations,
and indigenous advocacy groups.
o Represent the Trust in meetings, negotiations, and conferences as needed.
Qualifications and Experience:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) required; Master’s Degree (LLM) or specialization
in constitutional, international, or environmental law preferred.
Bar Admission: Admitted to practice law in New Zealand or relevant jurisdiction.
Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of post-qualification legal experience, with a strong
background in Māori legal issues, indigenous rights, environmental law, and international
human rights law.
Preferred Expertise:
o Strong knowledge of He Wakaputanga 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840, and Tikanga
Lore acknowledged by the NZ Supreme Court.
o Experience working with indigenous communities, NGOs, or international legal
bodies.
o Familiarity with UNDRIP and other relevant international legal instruments.
Key Skills and Competencies:
Excellent legal research, analytical, and drafting skills.
Strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
Ability to handle complex legal issues with cultural sensitivity and strategic insight.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong commitment to social justice, indigenous rights, and environmental protection.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven
environment.
Time Commitment:
Flexible, depending on caseload and organizational needs. Estimated at 10-15 hours per month with
the possibility of increased commitment during peak periods.
Remuneration: This is a pro-bono position only.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit:
A detailed CV highlighting relevant legal experience.
A cover letter outlining interest in the role and alignment with the Trust’s mission.
Contact details for two professional references.
Applicants must be NZ residents and or have a NZ working Visa.
Tiaki Taonga Trust Wai 262 is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from Māori legal professionals and other individuals passionate about indigenous rights and environmental justice.
