Kaiawhina – Kōhatu (ROCC Programme)

Poutini Waiora; Carrickawilt Island; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Poutini Waiora seeks a Kaiawhina – Kōhatu to empower rangatahi and their whānau in West Coast communities through mentorship and trauma-informed support. This pivotal role involves enhancing wellbeing, educational access, and cultural reconnection, making a significant impact on overall community health and resilience.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities in Māori health

Supportive, values-driven team

Dynamic, community-focused environment

Qualifications

• Experience with Māori, Pacific, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities is crucial.
• Willingness to engage in training related to neurodivergence and inclusive practices.
• Commitment to professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Deliver mentorship and life skills development to rangatahi and whānau.
• Facilitate cultural healing through tikanga Māori practices.
• Implement strategies to prevent organised crime and support educational pathways.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Organisational skills

Trauma-informed care experience

Fluency in Te Reo Māori

Education

Relevant qualifications in health, social services, education, or community development

Job description

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Poutini Waiora is a Kaupapa Maori Health and Social Service Provider working across Te Tai o Poutini (Kawatiri, Māwhera, Hokitika/Westland, South Westland). providing a range of free and accessible health and social services.

Mo te tunga | About the role

The Kaiawhina – Kōhatu plays a vital role in fostering resilience and empowerment among rangatahi (12-24 years) and their whānau, particularly those experiencing disconnection, exclusion, transition, or risk factors related to organised crime. Through mentorship, culturally responsive support, and a trauma-informed approach, this role strengthens rangatahi identity, wellbeing, and access to education and vocational pathways.

The Kaiawhina – Kōhatu works alongside rangatahi and whānau to navigate challenges, build positive life choices, and reconnect with their cultural roots. While not a clinical role, it requires expertise in trauma-informed care, neurodivergence inclusion, and emotional regulation support. As a cornerstone of the ROCC Programme, this role delivers effective intervention and prevention strategies that address the root causes of organised crime, reducing its impact within West Coast communities.

Key Responsibilities

Rangatahi Services: Deliver mentorship and life skills development, enhance educational and employment opportunities, and provide mental health and trauma-informed care.

Whānau Services: Empower whānau through trauma-informed support, cultural reconnection, and economic empowerment strategies.

Cultural Reconnection: Facilitate the cultural healing and reconnection of rangatahi and whānau through tikanga Māori practices, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being.

Organised Crime Prevention & Intervention: Implement strategies that address the root causes of organised crime, reducing its impact on West Coast communities.

Education & Employment (Mātauranga): Assist Māori learners and their whānau in reconnecting with education through personalised learning plans and vocational pathways.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

High level of Information technology and administration literacy

Awareness of or willingness to engage in training related to neurodivergence and inclusive practice, with a focus on kaupapa Māori, trauma-informed, and holistic approaches.

Commitment to working effectively with Māori, Pacific, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Willingness to work with whānau in their homes

Relevant qualifications in health, social services, education, or community development

Trauma-Informed Care Experience: Experience working with populations affected by trauma, particularly in relation to organised crime and methamphetamine use.

Fluency in Te Reo Māori

Knowledge of Tikanga

Knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Why Join Us?

Make a real difference in the lives of whānau, supporting healthy futures.

Work in a dynamic, community-focused environment.

Receive professional development opportunities in Māori health and nursing practices.

Be part of a supportive, values-driven team committed to empowering whānau.

How to Apply

Provide a cover letter and tell us about yourself and why this position is perfect for you

Supply a current CV and evidence of relevant qualifications

Applications close 5pm Friday July 18th, 2025.

Visit our website to download the Application Form and view the Position Description: www.poutiniwaiora.co.nz

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Your application will include the following questions:

Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand? How many years' experience do you have as a Kaiawhina?

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