Senior Advisor Practice Enabler

Oranga Tamariki; New Zealand; Remote; NZD 106,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking an experienced practitioner with deep expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to join the Practice Enablers team on a fixed term or secondment. The role focuses on transforming frontline systems and technology to support quality practice improvements across the organisation.

You will collaborate with operational leaders, practice specialists, technology teams and programme partners to embed te ao Māori

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Experience providing cultural guidance in complex environments.
• Experience in social services, child wellbeing, youth justice, health or related sector.
• Ability to influence and build credibility with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience contributing to projects, service design or organisational improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori.

Responsibilities

• Providing expert Māori cultural and practice advice to initiatives within Oranga Tamariki's Practice Approach
• Ensuring system design aligns with Māori frameworks and mana-enhancing practice
• Championing te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori within organisational projects and programmes
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Māori partners
• Supporting the development of tools, frameworks, standards and guidance that improve practice outcomes
• Analysing emerging issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing high-quality advice and reporting
• Mentoring colleagues and contributing to a culture of learning and continuous improvement

Skills

te ao Māori

tikanga Māori

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

cultural guidance

stakeholder engagement

analytical thinking

project involvement

Job description

Fixed term/Secondment opportunity to 30 June 2027 for an experienced practitioner with strong expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and culturally responsive practice to join our Practice Enablers team.

Location flexible around the motu.

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We're looking for an experienced practitioner who brings significant expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within Oranga Tamariki's Practice Approach to join our Practice Enablers team and help shape the future of frontline practice at Oranga Tamariki on secondment or a fixed term basis.

The Practice Enablers team plays a key role in transforming frontline systems and technology to support quality practice improvements across Oranga Tamariki. A key focus of this role is contributing specialist expertise to frontline technology initiatives that enable better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

You'll work alongside operational leaders, practice specialists, technology teams and programme partners to ensure the voices, aspirations and needs of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, hapū and iwi, and reflect Te Ao Māori perspectives and are embedded in system design and service delivery improvements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing expert Māori cultural and practice advice to major frontline technology and practice improvement initiatives within Oranga Tamariki's Practice Approach
• Ensuring system design and practice guidance align with Māori cultural frameworks and support mana-enhancing practice
• Championing the integration of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori within organisational projects and programmes
• Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Māori partners where appropriate
• Supporting the development of tools, frameworks, standards and guidance that improve practice outcomes
• Analysing emerging issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing high-quality advice and reporting
• Mentoring colleagues and contributing to a culture of learning and continuous improvement

Key requirements of the role include:

• Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their practical application within the Practice Approach
• Demonstrated experience providing cultural advice and guidance in complex environments
• Current practice, operational or service delivery experience within social services, child wellbeing, youth justice, health, education or a related sector
• The ability to influence and build credibility with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience contributing to projects, service design, systems development or organisational improvement initiatives
• A commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer s a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure . Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,426 and $117 ,782 pro rated dependent on experience .

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi .

Applications for this role close just before midnight on 10 November 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.

Location(s) All New Zealand, Te Tai Tokerau Region, Kaitaia, North Shore, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hastings, Wellington, Hawera, Blenheim, Ashburton, Alexandra, Auckland, Kaikohe, West Auckland, Paeroa, Rotorua, Dannevirke, Lower Hutt, Horowhenua, Greymouth, Christchurch, Balclutha, Waikato, Whangarei, Central Auckland, Tokoroa, Napier, Upper Hutt, Palmerston North, Nelson, Rangiora, Dunedin, Bay of Plenty, Dargaville, South Auckland, Taupō, Gisborne, Porirua, Manawatu, Timaru, Gore, East Coast, Whakatane, Hawkes Bay, Paraparaumu, New Plymouth, Invercargill, Wellington, Masterton, Taumarunui, Oamaru, Taranaki-Manawatu, Wairoa, Whanganui, Upper South, Waipukurau, Canterbury, Lower South

Expertise Social Work, Care Services, Management, Other, Services for children and families, Youth Justice