He Pikinga Waiora - Founding Kaimahi

Join the Founding Kaimahi Team

Help build something that could change the future for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.

He Pikinga Waiora is a new kaupapa Māori initiative delivered in partnership by Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust and Purapura Whetū Trust.

Funded through the Government's Social Investment Fund, this four-year pilot has been designed to strengthen outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau experiencing complex and intergenerational challenges.

He Pikinga Waiora brings together one integrated multidisciplinary team working alongside whānau through mentoring, education, wellbeing, therapeutic support, practical life skills, and cultural connection. Support will be delivered from a purpose-designed community hub and in the homes and communities where whānau live.

The Team We’re Building

We're bringing together a team who share one common purpose – helping tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau thrive.

Some of our kaimahi will be social workers, teachers, youth workers, health professionals or community practitioners. Others may bring experience from justice, family violence, mental health, education, disability, coaching or lived experience. What will make this team exceptional isn't a shared profession—it's a shared commitment to the kaupapa, and a belief in the potential of every tamariki and rangatahi.

We're not looking for people to fill positions - we're building a team.

No one person will have every skill.

Together, we will.

We're looking for people whose passion and commitment are reflected in the way they show up every day. People who:

• Naturally build trust and create emotionally and culturally safe relationships

• Lead by example through positive, mana-enhancing role modelling

• Believe in the potential, uniqueness and mauri of every tamariki and rangatahi

• Can connect with a young person who may not trust adults

• See strengths and possibilities where others see barriers

• Are prepared to roll up their sleeves and do whatever is needed

Above all, we're looking for people with genuine passion and commitment, people whose integrity, compassion and everyday actions show every tamariki and rangatahi that they are valued, safe, capable and worthy. People who create hope, build trust and help others believe in what's possible.

As founding members of He Pikinga Waiora, our kaimahi won't simply deliver a programme - they'll help shape the culture, practice and future of the service itself.

Our Hours Reflect Our Kaupapa

We don't build our service around office hours, we build it around the lives of tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau.

As part of our founding team, you'll work across a shared roster that includes daytime, evening and Saturday shifts, helping create a service that is responsive, accessible and centred on whānau

Indicative hub operating hours:

• Monday: 12.30pm – 6.00pm

• Tuesday to Friday: 10.00am – 8.30pm (rostered shifts)

• Saturday: 9.30am – 3.30pm (rostered shifts)

What Makes You, You?

Every member of our team has something unique to offer. Whether your passion is sport, kapa haka, music, cooking, hunting, gardening, gaming, art, mentoring or something completely different, we'd love to hear about it.

In your cover letter, tell us:

• What lights you up?
• What could you share with tamariki and rangatahi?
• What is your superpower?

Every day will be different; your mahi will include:

• Building trusted, enduring relationships with tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

• Mentoring and walking alongside young people as they navigate life's challenges

• Sharing your own skills, passions and strengths to engage, encourage and inspire

• Supporting practical life skills through everyday experiences such as preparing kai, budgeting, transport, or recreation

• Creating fun, safe, and meaningful experiences in the hub, homes and wider community
• Working collaboratively with whānau, schools and partner organisations
• Learning alongside an incredible multidisciplinary team

Why Join Us?

• Help shape an innovative kaupapa Māori pilot
• Work within a multidisciplinary environment
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Make a lasting difference for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.

Position descriptions are available on our websites -

For the full Job Description click here: He Pikinga Waiora - Kaimahi JD.pdf

Applications close: 17 August 2026

For further information, contact ronik@tepuawaitanga.maori.nz

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and progressing to interviews quickly. We reserve the right to close advertising early if the position is filled during the advertising period.