Kaitiaki

Whānau Āwhina Plunket; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing day

Retail discounts

Flexible working arrangements

Cultural competence programs

Job summary

Whānau Āwhina Plunket in Christchurch invites applicants for two fixed-term roles to support tamariki and whānau wellbeing through strong community connections. One role starts immediately and ends July 2027; the second begins January 2027.

We are flexible on full-time or part-time arrangements to suit the right candidate. Working with kaiako, tamariki and whānau, you will foster hauora through mana‑enhancing interactions, develop neighbourhood projects with partners, and report outcomes to show

Qualifications

• Experience and connections in East Christchurch community.
• Experience in ECE, NGO, or not-for-profit is a great foundation.
• Ability to connect, build trust and foster ongoing relationships.
• Ability to work independently and motivate yourself.

Responsibilities

• Forge connections with kaiako, tamariki and whānau to support wellbeing.
• Develop neighbourhood and community hub projects with partners.
• Report on impact and outcomes of the initiative.

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 acrossEast Christchurchto 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 starting in January 2027, 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.

He kōrero mōu | About you

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.

Ngā āhuatangakei a mātou | What we offer

If you’re seeking to work for an organisation that values improving society and supporting tamariki join us at Whānau Āwhina Plunket. In line with our values, we believe in caring for our people, to support your wellbeing and ongoing professional growth.

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

For further information please contact Alysha Anquetil, Kaitiaki Team Leader; [e-mail]

Applications must be made online and close on 2 November 2026.

Please note, we will consider applications as they are received and may close this advert early if we find a suitable candidate.

He huanui oranga mo ngā mokopuna whakatipuranga roto i ngā hapori heke iho, heke iho

Setting the path of wellness in our communities for early years, for generations to come

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and their whānau/family. We have committed to adopting a pro-equity approach where we give life to the Treaty principles of tino rangatiratanga, partnership, active protection, equity and options in our mahi/work to ensure healthy tamariki, confident whānau and connected communities. This journey is creating exciting career opportunities - If you would like to contribute to the important mahi we do, naumai, haeremai.