Kaiāwhina – Kōhatu (ROCC Programme)

Kawatiri (Westport) | Full-Time / Fixed-Term 30 June 2026

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join our team as a Kaiāwhina, where you'll work alongside rangatahi and whānau to navigate challenges, build positive life choices, and reconnect with their cultural roots. 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Kaiāwhina – Kōhatu plays a vital role in fostering resilience and empowerment among rangatahi (12-24 years) and their whānau, particularly those experiencing disconnection, exclusion, transition, or risk factors related to organised crime. Through mentorship, culturally responsive support, and a trauma-informed approach, this role strengthens rangatahi identity, wellbeing, and access to education and vocational pathways.

The Kaiāwhina – Kōhatu works alongside rangatahi and whānau to navigate challenges, build positive life choices, and reconnect with their cultural roots. While not a clinical role, it requires expertise in trauma-informed care, neurodivergence inclusion, and emotional regulation support. As a cornerstone of the ROCC Programme, this role delivers effective intervention and prevention strategies that address the root causes of organised crime, reducing its impact within West Coast communities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Rangatahi Services: Deliver mentorship and life skills development, enhance educational and employment opportunities, and provide mental health and trauma-informed care.

  • Whānau Services: Empower whānau through trauma-informed support, cultural reconnection, and economic empowerment strategies.

  • Cultural Reconnection: Facilitate the cultural healing and reconnection of rangatahi and whānau through tikanga Māori practices, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being.

  • Organised Crime Prevention & Intervention: Implement strategies that address the root causes of organised crime, reducing its impact on West Coast communities.

  • Education & Employment (Mātauranga): Assist Māori learners and their whānau in reconnecting with education through personalised learning plans and vocational pathways.

 Mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you will need:

  • Current full driver’s license

  • High level of Information technology and administration literacy

  • Awareness of or willingness to engage in training related to neurodivergence and inclusive practice, with a focus on kaupapa Māori, trauma-informed, and holistic approaches.

  • Commitment to working effectively with Māori, Pacific, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries

  • Excellent time management and organisational skills

  • Willingness to work with whānau in their homes

Desirable:

  • Relevant qualifications in health, social services, education, or community development

  • Trauma-Informed Care Experience: Experience working with populations affected by trauma, particularly in relation to organised crime and methamphetamine use.

  • Fluency in Te Reo Māori

  • Knowledge of Tikanga

  • Knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Why Join Us?

  • Make a real difference in the lives of whānau, supporting healthy futures.

  • Work in a dynamic, community-focused environment.

  • Receive professional development opportunities in Māori health and nursing practices.

  • Be part of a supportive, values-driven team committed to empowering whānau.

Come and join us!

If you are passionate about whānau-centred care, preventative health, and Childhood Immunisation, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now and help shape healthier futures for our communities.

Please apply by:

  • Download and fill in the application form

  • Provide a cover letter and tell us about yourself and why this position is perfect for you

  • Supply a current CV and evidence of relevant qualifications

  • Email to: enquiries@poutiniwaiora.co.nz denoting “Kaiāwhina – Kōhatu (ROCC Programme)” in the subject line

Applications will be progressed as received. Applications close 5pm Friday 4th July 2025.

For more information on the role, please view Position Description or if you have any questions, please email enquiries@poutiniwaiora.co.nz