About the Employment Relations Authority (the Authority)

The Authority operates under the Employment Relations Act 2000 (the Act). It is an investigative body that resolves employment relationship problems by establishing the facts and making a determination according to the substantial merits of the case, without regard to technicalities. 

The Authority’s statutory duties include:

•    Assisting employers and employees (and their representatives) to achieve and maintain successful employment relationships, by resolving problems that arise
•    Enforcement of mediated settlements
•    Enforcement of minimum employment standards and imposing penalties for proven breaches

Further information about the Authority and its activities can found on its website – https://www.era.govt.nz 

We are seeking candidates with the following skills and expertise:

• Knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand employment relations system, including the Employment Relations Act 2000 and other relevant legislation, and an understanding of the principles of good faith, which underpin that system
• Knowledge and understanding of employment dispute resolution mechanisms
• Demonstrated knowledge of the dynamics of the employment relationship
• Demonstrated competence in the conduct of hearings and/or inquiries, and a knowledge of procedures that ensure investigations are conducted in a manner that is reasonable
• Demonstrated competence in gathering information in a way that is not restricted by legal technicalities
• Demonstrated competence in taking and assessing evidence and the development and application of flexible procedures that facilitate pragmatic decision-making
• Demonstrated competence in writing concisely and precisely and in the interpretation of employment agreements and employment legislation.
• Knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the application of the principles of the Treaty to employment issues

Other specialised skills include:

•    Candidates who can bring a deep understanding of New Zealand’s labour market, prevailing labour market conditions and remuneration
•    Candidates who are experienced in the dynamics of collective bargaining, including complex wage negotiation and settlement
•    Arbitration, tribunal adjudicative or dispute resolution experience would be advantageous
•    Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree or equivalent qualification is desirable.

How to apply:

Candidates are invited to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form via email 

The Position Description and the EOI form can be requested via email to ERAExpressionsOfInterest@mbie.govt.nz 

Candidates may then submit their application, including the EOI form, Curriculum Vitae and a covering letter by email to the above address.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 20th April 2025.