Youth Connector Lead Physical Activity

New Zealand Government; Napier; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children invites applications for the Youth Connector Lead - Physical Activity in Hawke's Bay (Napier/Hastings). You will connect tamariki and rangatahi with sport and recreation opportunities, strengthen relationships with communities, and work across social services to support participation and wellbeing.

Ideal candidates will have direct work with children and young people, strong collaboration skills, and a proactive approach to problem solving.

Qualifications

• Experience working directly with children and young people in sport, recreation, youth development, education, community, or social service settings.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience coaching, facilitating, coordinating, or delivering programmes for children and young people.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate, engage, and build positive relationships with tamariki and rangatahi.
• A Full New Zealand Driver's Licence (essential).

Responsibilities

• Identify suitable sport and recreation opportunities for tamariki and rangatahi and support their participation.
• Collaborate with social workers, caregivers, community providers, and sporting organisations.
• Build trusted relationships with young people and connect them to opportunities that meet their needs.

Skills

Relationship-building

Stakeholder engagement

Coaching & delivering programs

Youth development experience

Communication & interpersonal skills

Motivation & engagement

Valid 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 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 support tamariki and rangatahi through the power of sport and physical activity. As the Youth Connector Lead - Physical Activity, you'll build trusted relationships, work alongside young people, and connect them to opportunities that build confidence, wellbeing, and belonging.We're looking for someone with experience working directly with children and young people in youth development, coaching, recreation, community services, or similar settings.Mo m tou | About usOranga 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 firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyWe are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to partnering with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.Mo te tunga | About the roleThis newly established role strengthens connections between Oranga Tamariki, NZ Police, Sport Hawke's Bay, and community providers to create positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.This is a highly relationship-focused role where you'll work directly with tamariki and rangatahi, helping identify suitable sport and recreation opportunities and supporting them to participate. You'll collaborate closely with social workers, caregivers, community providers, and sporting organisations to ensure tamariki and rangatahi can access activities that meet their needs and interests.The role may involve supporting, coaching, transporting, and engaging directly with young people participating in programmes and activities.This role is based in Hawke's Bay. Candidates must be based in, or willing to relocate to, Napier or Hastings. Regular regional travel is required.Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bringKey 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 connect tamariki and rangatahi to suitable physical activity opportunitiesExperience working directly with children and young people in sport, recreation, youth development, education, community, or social service settingsExperience coaching, facilitating, coordinating, or delivering programmes for children and young peopleStrong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skillsConfidence working collaboratively with community organisations, service providers, and government agenciesStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to motivate, engage, and build positive relationships with tamariki and rangatahiA practical and proactive approach to problem solvingExperience supporting children or young people with diverse and complex needsA 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 roleWillingness to work flexibly to meet programme and participant needsUnderstanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, particularly knowledge of tikanga M ori and Pacific peoples' cultureNou te rourou | What's in it for youOranga 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.Join a supportive team, enjoy flexible work options, and help shape a new initiative while making a meaningful difference for tamariki and rangatahi.We offer ongoing training, professional development, and an inclusive working environment.To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit:https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address.If you have any questions about the role, please contact [e-mail] for this role close at midnight on Thursday, 22 October 2026.We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.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 influence of drugs and alcohol.