This role is based in Wellington.
Who are we:
The New Zealand Story’s (NZ Story) purpose is to inspire, curate and amplify storytelling to expand New Zealand’s reputation and value internationally.
The FernMark Licence Programme is a country-of-origin accreditation programme managed by NZ Story, helping to promote and protect New Zealand products and services on a global scale by supporting our exporters. The Programme gives New Zealand businesses the right to carry the FernMark, a trademark that is used by the New Zealand government and more than 620 FernMark Licensees around the world. The FernMark, as the symbol of Brand New Zealand, represents the story of who are and where we’re from and embodies our New Zealand values of Pōtikitanga, Manaaki, Tiaki, and Pono.
What you’ll be doing:
We are seeking a driven and details-oriented junior Legal Counsel to join the NZ Story team. Reporting to the Director of FernMark and General Legal Counsel, this role is responsible for the FernMark Licence application process, including assessing eligibility of applicants and auditing applications, through to licensing of successful applicants as Licensees.
You will also review products and services for eligibility and to confirm statements/representations in the context of the Fair Trading Act, manage the FernMark Licence transfer and termination processes, and assist with other IP and trademark matters relating to the FernMark.
Along with this you will maintain our complaints/disputes and infringements registers and provide general legal advice to the greater NZ Story team - including assisting the team in navigating government procurement rules/processes, legal compliance matters, and reviewing and drafting legal contracts and documents.
What you’ll need to be successful:
- Legal qualification (ideally with at least one year post-qualification experience)
- Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and commercial acumen.
- Excellent communication skills; tactful, responsive, and customer-focused.
- Strong organisational and multi-tasking skills with the ability to prioritise in a dynamic environment.
- Able to work independently, recognise red flags, and seek guidance when needed.
- Experience in an office or business environment preferred.
- Team player with a willingness to take on varied tasks.
Ideally you will come from a legal background and have some experience reviewing and advising on legal documents and contracts. You will also be a positive, self-starter who is highly organised and able to prioritise to meet deadlines. Along with this you will be a fantastic communicator in both written and verbal form and a superb relationship builder and team player.
Why you'll love working here:
At NZ Story, we are a part of the wider New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) whānau, enjoying many great benefits listed here. These include:
- Tools of the trade with access to an iPhone and MS Surface Laptop
- Supportive and flexible hybrid work environment – 3 days working from the office, and 2 days working from home every week
- 5 weeks annual leave
- Wide range of internal learning and development opportunities including having access to a highly rated internal coaching programme
- International and local secondment opportunities as a part of NZTE’s network
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who would like to utilize their law degree for a varied and commercial role.
This role is banded NZ Level 14.
You must have the legal right to work in NZ to be considered for this role.
What's next:
Have a read of the Position Description, and if you are interested in the Legal Counsel role please apply with a CV and cover letter before the deadline below.
Applications close Tuesday 26th August 2025 at 11:59pm (NZST).
We believe New Zealand is good for the World. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer. At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, neurodiversity or disability. If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition team.
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