Regulatory and Legal Advisor

We are looking for a Regulatory and Legal Advisor to help the business understand and respond to electricity-sector policy, legislation and regulatory change. You will monitor and analyse developments, assess their impact and translate complex requirements into clear, practical advice and compliance processes.

Reporting to the Regulatory and Legal Manager, you will support regulatory analysis, internal policy development, submissions, compliance activities and engagement across the electricity sector.

Where appropriate and within your qualifications, experience and practising status, you may also provide support on legal matters such as contracts, easements, property, environmental and resource management issues.

This position is ideally based in Auckland. However, we are also open to applications from candidates based in Wellington, Christchurch, Greymouth, Cromwell, or Nelson.

What you’ll be doing

You will be working at the centre of the electricity regulatory environment, helping the business stay ahead of policy and regulatory change. This includes:

Monitor electricity-sector legislation, regulation and policy, and assess the implications for the business

Translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical advice for internal stakeholders

Apply sound judgement to identify risks, obligations, impacts and practical options

Prepare concise briefings, policies, procedures and guidance material

Support regulatory submissions and consultation responses, coordinating technical and operational input

Assist with regulatory compliance, disclosures, information requests and the maintenance of supporting records

Build relationships with regulators, industry bodies and peers across other electricity distribution businesses

Escalate novel, complex or high-risk matters and support regulatory engagement led by the Regulatory and Legal Manager

Where appropriate and within your qualifications, experience and practising status, support legal matters relevant to the business

What we’re looking for

You don’t need to know everything on day one, but you should be curious, thoughtful and comfortable working with complex information.

Ideally, you will bring

Approximately two to six years’ relevant experience in the electricity sector or a regulatory, policy, legal or public-sector environment

Working knowledge of the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010, or the ability to develop this knowledge promptly

Experience interpreting legislation, regulation or policy and applying it in practical settings

Strong written communication skills, including experience drafting submissions, policies, briefings or guidance material

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to consider broader business implications

Ability to explain complex regulatory matters clearly to technical and non-technical audiences

Sound judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach

Confidence working collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders

A relevant tertiary qualification in law, public policy, economics, science or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience

A current New Zealand practising certificate if you will provide legal services in your capacity as a lawyer

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment where regulatory and policy work has a genuine impact. You will gain exposure to a broad range of issues, grow your expertise and help develop practical outcomes for the business and the communities it serves.

The role may be offered on a full-time or part-time basis. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements with the successful candidate.

We offer a range of benefits including:

ElectroNet Plus: Our long service recognition programme (rewards starting at 2 years)

ElectroNet Coach: Our in-house mentoring programme, focused on mentoring and leadership development

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Parental Leave: Up to 26 weeks of primary carer leave top-up payments (to 80% of salary), including employer contributions to KiwiSaver during this period, and annual leave paid at full value for eligible primary carers. Partners and spouses are also supported with two weeks of fully paid parental leave

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate

Flexible Work: Flexible work arrangements to support work/life balance

Wellbeing: Wellbeing benefits including a Personal Option Wellbeing Allowance (POWA), 24/7 confidential EAP support, fresh fruit and free flu vaccinations

Insurance: Life and critical illness insurance cover

Discounts: Access to a range of discounts, including fuel, and health insurance

Workride: NZ ride to work benefit scheme

Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking company that values continuous improvement

Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment

Celebrations: Celebration of special occasions, social club and team events.

Apply now to help shape practical regulatory and policy outcomes within New Zealand’s electricity sector.

Applications close on 30 October 2026 and we will be reviewing applications and interviewing throughout this time.

For more information, email [email protected].

About us

Westpower Limited is part of the 100% New Zealand-owned ElectroNet Group and provides safe and reliable electricity infrastructure to communities across the West Coast.

Visit us at https://westpower.co.nz/ to find out more.