Youth Connector Lead – Physical Activity

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellbeing focus

Training & development

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Youth Connector Lead - Physical Activity in Hawke's Bay. This fixed-term, full-time role focuses on connecting tamariki and rangatahi to sport and recreation opportunities, building trusted relationships, and supporting wellbeing through hands-on community work.

The role involves collaboration with social workers, community providers, and sporting bodies, with travel across Hawke's Bay and a requirement to be based in Napier or Hastings or

Qualifications

• Experience working directly with children and young people in sport, recreation, youth development, education, community, or social services.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to motivate, engage, and build positive relationships with tamariki and rangatahi.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet programme and participant needs.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen connections between Oranga Tamariki, NZ Police, Sport Hawke's Bay, and community providers.
• Identify suitable sport and recreation opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi.
• Collaborate with social workers, site teams, caregivers, and sporting organisations.
• Support, coach, transport and engage with young people in programmes as needed.
• Be based in Napier or Hastings or relocate to the Hawke's Bay region with regular travel.

Skills

Relationship-building

Youth engagement

Coaching

Communication

Motivation & mentoring

Tools

NZ Driver's Licence

Job description

Have you coached, mentored, or supported young people through sport or recreation? Bring your passion and make a direct impact in young people's lives every day while helping create lasting change for tamariki and rangatahi across Hawke's Bay.

Location: Hawke's Bay (Napier/Hastings)

Position: Fixed-term, Full-time (2 years)

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new and innovative initiative designed to support tamariki and rangatahi through the power of sport and physical activity. As the Youth Connector Lead - Physical Activity, you'll do more than coordinate programmes. You'll build trusted relationships, work directly alongside young people, and help connect them to opportunities that build confidence, resilience, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.

We're looking for someone who understands the value of positive youth engagement and has experience working directly with children and young people. Whether you've worked in youth development, sports coaching, recreation programmes, community services, or similar environments, this is your opportunity to turn your passion into lasting impact.

Mō mātou | About us

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

This newly established role sits within our East Coast region and has been created to strengthen connections between Oranga Tamariki, NZ Police, Sport Hawke's Bay, and community providers. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to creating positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi through community-based and preventative approaches.

This is a highly relationship-focused role where you'll work directly with children and young people, helping identify suitable sport and recreation opportunities and supporting them to participate. You'll collaborate closely with social workers, site teams, caregivers, community providers, and sporting organisations to ensure tamariki and rangatahi can access activities that meet their individual needs and interests.

In some situations, you'll be supporting, coaching, transporting, and engaging directly with young people participating in programmes and activities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building meaningful relationships, working hands-on with young people, and making a visible difference in their lives.

This role is based in our Hawke's Bay office. Due to the operational requirements and community-based nature of the position, candidates will need to be based in Napier or Hastings or be willing to relocate to the region. Regular travel throughout Hawke's Bay will form part of the role.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

Key requirements of the role include:

• Strong understanding of the Care and Protection (C&P) and Youth Justice (YJ) systems, with the ability to identify priority cohorts and effectively connect tamariki and rangatahi to physical activity opportunities that support their wellbeing and development.
• Experience working directly with children and young people in sport, recreation, youth development, education, community, or social service settings
• Experience coaching, facilitating, coordinating, or delivering programmes for children and young people
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Confidence working collaboratively with community organisations, service providers, and government agencies
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate, engage, and build positive relationships with tamariki and rangatahi
• A practical and proactive approach to problem solving
• Experience supporting children or young people with diverse and complex needs
• A Full New Zealand Driver's Licence (essential). Applicants must hold a full licence at the time of application, as transporting tamariki and rangatahi may form part of this role.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet programme and participant needs
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that provides annual progression through tenure and experience. Annual remuneration for this position will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options, and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. This role provides a unique opportunity to help shape a new initiative from the ground up while making a tangible difference in the lives of tamariki and rangatahi across Hawke's Bay. You'll have the opportunity to build meaningful community partnerships, develop innovative approaches, and see the positive impact of your work firsthand.

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.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit:

https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Applications for this role close at midnight on Thursday, 15 October 2026.