Whakahohoro Te Hau

Whakahohoro Te Hau - Mental Health Kaimahi

About the organisation

He Waka Tapu is a Kaupapa Māori organisation who have been supporting individuals and the community for 30 years. He Waka Tapu works to increase the health and wellbeing of Whānau.

Whakahohoro Te Hau is led by He Waka Tapu and Purapura Whetu, we support whānau who are in a Mental Health Crisis, working to minimise barriers and ensuring our whānau receive necessary support.

Whakahohoro Te Hau is a service that provides an early intervention supported pathway to hauora for whānau aged 18 and over.

About the role

This cultural role has a specific focus on Kaupapa Māori, the primary responsibility is to provide a culturally sensitive approach, along with appropriate mental health support to individuals and whānau that are referred to the service.

The role will work collaboratively to ensure holistic and culturally responsive care for whaiora, prioritising the well-being of whānau.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide mental health support that respects and integrates Māori values, beliefs, and practices.
• Focus on the well-being of individuals and their whānau, involving them in decision-making and incorporating their cultural values and goals.
• Use culturally sensitive methods to assess mental health needs and develop personalised treatment plans with the support of Clinical kaimahi
• Provide immediate support during mental health crises, using cultural protocols to ensure safety and well-being.
• Maintain accurate records while ensuring confidentiality and privacy.
• Engage in ongoing learning and professional development to enhance cultural competence and effectiveness in providing care
• Work cohesively with Purapura Whetu, providing support and oversight in planning and sharing the same referral process, reporting, and data collection.

Skills and Experience

• Current Full NZ driver's license.
• Ability to pass a Police check.
• Experience working with Māori and within a kaupapa Māori environment would be an advantage
• Experience in establishing effective working relationships with individuals, their Whānau and other key stakeholders.
• Alignment to He Waka Tapu values and core principles and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Commitment and/or experience working in a Whānau Ora model.
• Actively promote the Whānau recovery journey.

Benefits and perks

Ongoing professional development and training

Life insurance

Free gym membership

Active Wellbeing initiatives

Our Culture

Me mahi tahi tātou mo te oranga o te whānau

Working together for the wellbeing of family

Our services are delivered using a kaupapa Māori framework encompassing Tinana (physical well-being), Wairua (spiritual well-being), Hinengaro (mental well-being), Whānau (family well-being).

Our values help to guide an understanding of how to embed and practice meaningful and robust engagement to ensure that He Waka Tapu is the go-to place for practical knowledge about Whānau wellbeing.

Manaakitanga

We are respectful and show generosity and care for others, ensuring everyone's mana is enhanced

Whānaungatanga

We build relationships through shared experiences and working together

Rangatiratanga

We lead by inspiring others to see what is possible

Whakākoako

We all learn

For further information about the work that we do, check out our organisation online at

If you have any queries about the role, please email Lita at

If you wish to apply, please attach your CV and a cover letter to your application.

Please note that Applicants for this position should have the legal right to work in New Zealand.