Graduate Researcher
The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) is a charitable trust that aims to make a positive difference to the environment through the application and improvement of environmental laws. ELI uses litigation, advocacy and education to meet these aims. ELI works across a range of environmental domains, including oceans, freshwater, biodiversity and conservation, climate change, and environmental pollution.
ELI is recruiting for a Graduate Researcher to help drive the delivery of ELI’s strategic purpose. This is a permanent full-time role based in our Wellington office, with an initial probationary period. The role’s primary responsibility will be to develop and deliver research projects that will lead to opportunities for environmental litigation and advocacy. It will also involve working with the ELI team and wider stakeholders to support environmental litigation.
The successful applicant(s) will bring fresh and creative ideas to the development of litigation and advocacy opportunities.
The successful applicant will demonstrate the requirements of the position description, including:
A recent (within the past 2 years from the date of this role description) University graduate with a minimum of an LLB
Some legal research experience
Some knowledge of New Zealand environmental law
Some experience of working in a small team
Some experience of environmental advocacy or science (preferable)
This is a rare role for a recent graduate who wants to make a positive difference to the environment of Aotearoa New Zealand. In return, you will be provided with a stimulating and supportive working environment and the opportunity to work across a multitude of exciting litigation and advocacy projects. Subject to performance, it is anticipated that the selected candidate would be promoted to a non-graduate role within 2 years of employment.
The starting salary for this role will be in the range $60,000 – $65,000 per annum for a full-time position of 40 hours per week.
For more information about this opportunity, please email contact@eli.org.nz
Please apply via the Seek application process.
Closing date: 20 March 2026
To apply: please use the Seek application portal to apply.
Please include a CV and a cover letter.
ELI is a registered charitable trust whose mission is to ensure the effective protection of New Zealand’s natural resources. We are advised by a small team of experts in environmental law, policy, science, ecology and management.
Though operating independently, we partner with a range of other groups and individuals —including iwi, hapū, governmental agencies, charities, and organisations— to achieve common outcomes for the environment.
Our specialist areas include the protection of native species and biodiversity; the sustainable management of oceans, coasts and fisheries; the protection and restoration of wetlands and freshwater ways; and climate change mitigation and response.