Kaitiaki

Plunket; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing day and sick leave flex

Flexible working arrangements

Cultural competence programs

Job summary

Plunket is seeking two fixed-term roles in the Kā Au Kahuraki initiative, focused on improving health and social outcomes for tamariki and whānau in East Christchurch. The roles involve building trust with teachers, families, and communities to support wellbeing and resilience.

Experience in ECE, NGO, or related fields is advantageous; there is an element of reporting to demonstrate impact. Flexible around full time or part time and started immediately or January 2027.

Responsibilities

• Forge connections with kaiako (teachers), tamariki, their whānau to support holistic hauora (wellbeing).
• Develop neighbourhood and community hub projects with partners and the Kā Au Kahuraki team.
• Contribute to reporting to show impact on tamariki and whānau in the community.

Job description

Kā Au Kahuraki is a community co-designed initiative by Ministry of Education, NZ Police and Mana Whenua. The aim is to provide targeted primary prevention and early intervention for tamariki and their whānau enrolled in ECE who require additional health and social support.

With each and every interaction, we aim to increase equity of experience, and build connections to ensure tamariki have safe environments to thrive in. Since 2020, Kā Au Kahuraki has scaled across East Christchurch to 9 communities supporting over 60 Early Learning services.

We have two fixed term positions available – one with an immediate start (ending July 2027) and the second <b>starting in January 202</b> <b>7</b>, we are flexible around full time or part time for these positions.

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Guided by the needs of whānau within your dedicated early childhood centres, you will forge connections with kaiako (teachers), tamariki , their whānau to support holistic hauora (wellbeing) through mana enhancing interactions.

Working alongside the Ministry of Education Kā Au Kahuraki team and partners to develop neighbourhood and community hub projects, a key outcome from Kaitiaki engagement will be safer, healthier, more connected, resilient, and self-determining communities. Past Kaitiaki have saw opportunities and established coffee carts at pick up time to understand from mātua (parents) about what would make a difference to their wellbeing and linking them in with organisations that were able to deliver on their needs.

As a funded government initiative, there is an element of reporting involved in this role, in order to showcase the difference, you are making in the community and celebrate the impact you have on the lives of our youngest Kiwis.

You will have experience and connections in the East Christchurch community, prior experience working in a ECE setting or an NGO, or NFP will allow you a great foundation in this mahi. You will come with the ability to connect, build trust and foster ongoing relationships with the ability to showcase your ability to work independently and motivate yourself.

A background in social work or advocacy will be advantageous but is not essential.

• Various wellbeing schemes such as a wellbeing day: use your one of your sick leave days to proactively protect your well being
• Some flexible working arrangements
• Programmes to build your cultural competence so you can contribute to our goals most effectively

Fixed Term Full Time, Fixed Term Part Time