Tikanga Programme Facilitator

• Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of tangata whaiora?
• Working at Christchurch Men's, Christchurch Women's, Rolleston Prison's, and in community.
• Permanent Full Time 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday with some weekend Wānanga work.
• Salary $70 - 85k

Te whiwhinga mahi – The opportunity

Purapura Whetū are proud to be delivering Te Ihu Waka Tikanga Māori programmes for the Department of Corrections.  The Kaiwhakatere Waka / Tikanga Programme Facilitator plays a vital role in supporting whaiora and their whānau to connect to Te Ao Māori, increase knowledge of Te Reo and Tikanga, strengthen identity and increase confidence and ability in aspects of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, rangatiratanga and wairuatanga.

This position requires an individual who is passionate about Māori culture and has the ability to engage with diverse groups to foster a deeper appreciation of cultural practices.

We are looking for a Tikanga Programme Facilitator to join our Mātauranga Māori team.

Ngā kawenga matua o te mahi – Key responsibilities of the role

• To plan and facilitate Te Ihu Waka Tikanga Māori Programmes for tangata whaiora serving sentences in Prison or in the Community.
• Delivering engaging tikanga based workshops for tangata whaiora.
• Developing resource materials that reflect core principles of Tikanga within Te Ao Māori.
• Working collaboratively with other facilitators and kaimahi to ensure programmes are culturally relevant and effective.
• Facilitating discussions around cultural identity, mana, respect, and understanding among participants from different backgrounds.

The role also involves building strong relationships with local iwi (tribes) and community organisations to promote collaboration in Mātauranga Māori practice. The Tikanga Programme Facilitator will be expected to represent Purapura Whetū Trust by ensuring that tikanga is upheld throughout all interactions. A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued is essential for success in this role.

Ngā pūmānawatanga ōu – What you will bring

• Strong knowledge in Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga.
• Knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and its practical application within the context of this role.
• Ability to facilitate programmes in the Corrections environment, working with tangata whaiora who have varying levels of knowledge, understanding and ability in Te Ao Māori.
• A non-judgmental approach to working with tangata Whaiora

Mō mātou – Our Organisation

Our organisation recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of this nation and therefore, guided by the tenets thereof expects that Māori consumers of Mental Health our services and their whānau have the same rights to the highest standards of mātauranga mate hinengaro care as everyone else. This means, in effect, addressing the disparities in Mental Health wellbeing for Māori consumers. Further to ensuring that tangata Whaiora and their whānau receive the highest standards of professional assistance in actively managing their lives. Mental Health related conditions. Purapura Whetū emphasises that integration of care involves developing a coherent and comprehensive understanding of the needs of tangata Whaiora and their whānau and is aimed at enhancing overall well-being rather than treating the treatment of specific disorders or problems.

Mō mātou uara – Our Values

Protecting the Tino Rangatiratanga of whānau and their right to quality care.

To promote the right of Māori through a Te Ao Māori perspective, inclusive of Tapu, Mana, Mauri, Whanaungatanga, Wairuatanga, Hinengaro, Tinana, Ukaipo and Matauranga Māori, to achieve lifelong growth and quality of life.

You will be part of a dedicated team working across prison sites and Ōtautahi communities, and a valued member of the wider Purapura Whetū whānau.

We provide ongoing training opportunities, and relocation support is available.

Please apply via Seek. Any pātai, please contact Mairehe Tankersley on

Request the position description by emailing 

Applications close 5pm Monday 22nd December and will be processed as they are received.

• Strong understanding of tikanga and Māori cultural practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Facilitation skills, including the ability to lead group discussions and workshops effectively.
• Ability to develop educational materials and resources that reflect tikanga principles.
• Competence in conflict resolution and problem-solving within a community context.

• Proven experience working in a facilitative role within Māori communities or organisations.
• Experience in programme development and implementation related to cultural education.
• Background in community engagement, collaboration, and partnership building.
• Experience conducting training sessions or workshops focused on tikanga practices.
• A track record of successful project management from conception through to evaluation.