Pouroki Tuarua | Deputy Registrar
Are you a senior lawyer with proven leadership skills and a commitment to public safety?
Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa | Medical Council of New Zealand (the Council) is seeking a highly capable and strategic Pouroki Tuarua | Deputy Registrar to join our Senior Leadership Team in Wellington on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
The Council is the regulator for doctors. Our vision is to have a medical profession all New Zealanders can trust. We protect and promote public health and safety in New Zealand by registering doctors to practise medicine in New Zealand and supporting doctors to practise medicine safely by setting standards, ensuring compliance with those standards, and taking action where concerns are raised.
About the role
The Pouroki Tuarua | Deputy Registrar reports to, and works closely with, the Registrar, exercising powers, duties and functions under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act). You will provide trusted legal and regulatory advice, support Council decision-making, and contribute to organisational strategy and planning as a senior leader.
This role has a significant focus on ensuring timely, robust legal advice, supporting effective case management, and contributing to reviews of statutory and operational policy. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also model Council values, provide visible leadership, and support the achievement of our strategic goals.
Key responsibilities include:
- Exercising delegated statutory powers and decision-making under the HPCA Act.
- Providing high-quality legal and regulatory advice to the Council, Committees, and senior managers.
- Contributing to Council meetings, including presenting well-reasoned, thorough papers to support informed decisions.
- Supporting effective case management and contributing to the Notifications Triage Team.
- Leading or contributing to reviews of policies, standards, and regulatory practices.
- Developing strong, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and contributing to reducing health inequities for Māori.
About you
To be successful, you will bring:
- Significant (5+ years) experience in a senior legal or management role ideally within a regulatory or health environment.
- A strong understanding of statutory decision-making and regulatory practice.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Proven leadership and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.
- Political and intellectual acuity, with sound judgement and the ability to manage risk.
- Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to remain effective under pressure.
- A commitment to cultural safety and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
In addition to working in a role that makes a real difference to public health and safety, we offer:
- Stunning office views of Wellington harbour
- Southern Cross health insurance contributions
- Additional leave during the Christmas closedown
- Flexible working arrangements
- A strong organisational culture and commitment to professional development.
If you are a strategic leader with substantial legal experience and want to play a key role in safeguarding the public, we would love to hear from you.
For more information or to request a copy of the position description, please contact Iman at iyusere@mcnz.org.nz To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter through Seek.