Kaitūwhana

Advertised on behalf of Hiringa Oranga O Awarua Limited - Awarua Whānau Services

Permanent, Full Time

Invercargill

Kia hiwa rā

Hiringa Oranga O Awarua Limited - Awarua Whānau Services is seeking a committed and culturally grounded Kaitūwhana to join our team. This role is pivotal in supporting whānau to achieve their aspirations and navigate complex challenges. As Kaitūwhana, you will work in partnership with whānau, acting as a connector, advocate, and coach to help them access opportunities in health, housing, education, employment, and wellbeing. You will uphold kaupapa Māori values, reinforce tino rangatiratanga, and strengthen whakapapa links to mana whenua, hapū, and whenua.

As Kaitūwhana, you will:

• Respond to referrals and engage with whānau kanohi ki te kanohi or virtually.
• Build trusting, mana-enhancing relationships and develop whānau-led plans using kaupapa Māori approaches.
• Connect whānau to resources, agencies, and community initiatives, and advocate on their behalf when needed.
• Support whānau to manage risks and implement safety plans where required.
• Monitor progress, celebrate successes, and manage the process for exit and re-engagement if needed.
• Maintain accurate records, uphold professional and cultural standards, and participate in supervision and ongoing professional development.

He kōrero mōu / About you

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Relevant qualifications or experience in Whānau Ora, Māori health, family harm, mental health and addictions, te reo Māori and tikanga, first aid, social work, teaching, facilitation, health sciences, and/or community development.
• Strong understanding of tikanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with experience working in kaupapa Māori settings.
• Ability to build trusting relationships, advocate for whānau, and navigate complex situations.
• Excellent communication, organisational skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and client management systems.
• A full NZ driver licence.

Mō mātou / About us

Awarua Whānau Services is a Kaupapa Māori organisation providing health and social services in Invercargill, Otago and surrounding areas. Our journey began in 1988, evolving from a grassroots response of manaaki into a well-established provider supporting whānau across the region.

Ko tā mātou mahi / We offer

• A meaningful role within a kaupapa Māori organisation.
• A supportive team environment where your mahi directly supports our people and operations.
• Opportunities for professional development and involvement in impactful community initiatives.
• Competitive remuneration based on experience.

Me pēhea te tono mai / How to apply

Apply today by sending a copy of your CV and covering letter to Sarah Lamerton at

For more information, download the full position description from our careers page, or reach out to Sarah directly if you have any pātai.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai

Job Details

Reference #

35036

Business areas

Papatipu Rūnanga

Posted on

Wednesday 26 Nov 2025

Closes on

03 Dec :55

Expertise

Healthcare & Medical

Work type(s)

Full-time, Permanent