Employment Mediator – Resolve Workplace Disputes

About the role

MBIE is seeking an experienced Employment Mediator to join its Dispute Resolution team in Wellington. You will help resolve employment relationship problems and disputes under the Employment Relations Act, working with individuals and organisations across New Zealand.

Key responsibilities

• Facilitate mediation sessions with employees, employers, unions and other representatives, either in‑person, online or by phone.
• Apply best‑practice dispute‑resolution techniques to manage complex employment cases from intake to closure.
• Provide culturally appropriate, accessible support to parties in high‑conflict situations.
• Maintain a caseload, ensure timely progress, and produce clear documentation of outcomes.
• Travel within New Zealand as required to meet parties and attend hearings.

Required profile

• Strong understanding of New Zealand employment legislation, collective bargaining and employment relations.
• Accredited mediator (or equivalent experience) with proven ability to achieve early resolution.
• Experience working with diverse communities and in sensitive contexts, demonstrating empathy and impartiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Flexible, resilient and highly organised, with the capacity to manage a fast‑paced workload.
• Legal right to live and work in New Zealand and willingness to travel nationally.

Required skills

What we offer

• Permanent full‑time role based on Victoria Street, Wellington.
• Salary range $96,453 – $121,196 per year plus KiwiSaver and wellness benefits.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on employment relations across New Zealand.