Are you a recent law graduate with a passion for improving New Zealand’s environmental outcomes? Are you seeking a job that includes self-directed work at the cutting edge of legal research?
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 Legal Researcher - Graduate to join our team in the Wellington office. The role’s primary responsibility will be to develop and deliver research projects that will lead to opportunities to improve New Zealand’s environmental laws, through litigation or advocacy.
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:
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 varied litigation and advocacy projects.
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.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email contact@eli.org.nz.
Closing date: 30 October 2026, 5pm
Please apply via Do Good Jobs, attaching both 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.