RMA Associate/Senior Associate

Advance your practice in resource management law within a firm known for its people, culture, and pursuit of excellence.

Holland Beckett is a progressive, full-service law firm with a long-standing presence throughout the Bay of Plenty. With over 160 people across Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne, we are proud to be one of New Zealand’s leading regional practices.

Our values underpin everything we do:

• Dedicated to Excellence
• Professional with Personality
• Champions of our Communities
• Dynamic Leaders

You’ll see these values reflected in how we support our people, serve our clients, and stay deeply connected to the region.

We are now seeking a talented RMA Lawyer (10+ years’ PQE) to join our high-performing and well-regarded resource management team.

About the role:

This role offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of resource management matters, supporting clients on complex and varied projects nationwide. You will be trusted with significant responsibility from the outset, including direct client relationships, leading workstreams, and contributing to strategic advice on complex projects.

You will work alongside recognised leaders in the field, contributing to high-profile matters and helping to shape the team’s continued growth and market presence. This role is well suited to a senior lawyer looking to step into greater leadership, with a clear pathway toward senior leadership or partnership for the right person.

Our Resource Management team is nationally recognised and advises on some of the Bay of Plenty’s most significant infrastructure, development and environmental projects. We are increasingly engaged on projects of regional and national significance, including fast-track approvals and complex stakeholder processes involving iwi, local authorities, and key project partners.

Your work will span both front-end strategy and advocacy, including:

• Resource consent applications and strategy
• Plan changes and submissions
• Hearings and appeals before councils, the Environment Court, and High Court
• Fast-track approvals experience
• Strategic advisory work on planning, environmental and development matters
• Working closely with developers, corporates, local authorities and private clients

About you:

You are an experienced and commercially minded RMA lawyer with strong technical ability and sound judgement. You enjoy solving complex problems, building trusted client relationships, and working collaboratively within a high-performing team.

You will bring:

• 10+ years’ PQE in resource management / environmental law
• Strong understanding of the Resource Management Act and related legislation
• Experience working on resource consents, plan changes, and/or hearings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• A client-focused approach with the ability to build trust and credibility
• A collaborative working style, with the confidence to lead matters and mentor more junior lawyers

Why Holland Beckett?

You will be joining a firm with a strong and growing resource management practice, a high-quality client base, and a clear strategic focus on continuing to build its presence in this area. Our structure supports senior lawyers to grow their practice, develop client relationships, and play a meaningful role in the firm’s future direction.

At Holland Beckett, you’ll enjoy challenging and rewarding work while living in one of New Zealand’s most desirable regions.

We offer:

• $5,000 gross sign-on bonus
• A market leading salary and discretionary bonuses
• Flexible working arrangements
• A friendly, inclusive culture with regular social events
• A wellbeing-focused approach, including an innovative wellness package
• Community involvement through pro bono work, service days, and our charitable trust fund
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Access to leading-edge technology
• Career support initiatives including mentoring, coaching, EAP services, and discounted health insurance
• Study benefits, including paid study and exam leave
• A generous and supportive parental leave policy

Ready to take the next step?

If you are ready to take a leading role in your practice while enjoying the lifestyle and community the Bay of Plenty offers, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and become part of a firm where your work, wellbeing, and future genuinely matter.