Applications are invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as a coroner under section 103 of the Coroners Act 2006 (the Act).

To be appointed as a coroner the Act requires that the appointee must have held a practising certificate as a barrister or solicitor for at least 5 years.

All coronial appointees must also be able to demonstrate:

• an advanced knowledge of, or high level of interest in learning about, coronial law and Coroners Court systems and practices
• an ability to gather, absorb and weigh evidence from a wide variety of disciplines and sources, including expert evidence, to produce timely findings that are robust and appropriate
• highly developed written communication skills
• good community liaison skills and an understanding of the need to take account of various religious and cultural perspectives, including those of Māori, in performing the duties of coroner
• a high level of competence and confidence in the use of technological aids including in particular computer skills
• high personal and professional standards
• an ability to work independently, as well as in collaboration with other coroners and Coroners Court staff
• an ability to work under pressure for sustained periods of time including on a 24/7 duty coroner roster, on weekdays, weekends and public holidays, and on call overnight on a nationally rostered basis.

This is a full-time position.

Salary and allowances are set independently by the Remuneration Authority.

A comprehensive programme of professional development will be provided to support the successful candidate in meeting the requirements of the role.

The location of appointment is to be determined but will be one of the nine Coroners Court locations (Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin). There is an expectation of flexibility to cover other areas both remotely and by travel.

Completed applications

Please email your expression of interest and declaration forms, a current curriculum vitae and a covering letter setting out your vision for the role to General.OLC@justice.govt.nz. by 4.00 pm 13 January 2025.

Additional information and an application pack for the position may be obtained from the Ministry of Justice website: https://www.justice.govt.nz/about/statutory-vacancies/#Coroner