Senior Advisor Education and Health

• Develop & maintain meaningful relationships with Iwi & Māori organisations to ensure education & health services are aligned
• Help improve outcomes & support the Hauora (health and wellbeing) of tamariki & their whānau
• Can be based anywhere within our Lower South region

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

The Senior Advisor, Education and Health will work with the Regional Commissioner to develop a plan to appropriately respond to the educational, health and wellbeing needs of tamariki and whānau across the region. This role also has direct relationships with sites, Iwi, relevant agencies, service providers, and stakeholders.

The Senior Advisor, Education and Health is crucial in brokering access to services in order to improve outcomes and support the Hauora (health and wellbeing) of tamariki and their whānau, particularly in health and education.

This permanent opportunity will focus on and work throughout the Lower South Region and can be based in any of our regional offices.

Key accountabilities include:

• Identifying services for tamariki to re-engage or engage them in education, and/or appropriate health services when universal services are not available or do not meet their needs.
• Actively participating and contributing to Gateway governance and operational meetings, to improve access to education and health services.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with Iwi and Māori organisations, operational agencies, and NGO's to ensure services to tamariki are aligned, particularly in education and health.
• Working closely with the Regional Commissioner, Commissioning and Investment, Sites and their communities to ensure close alignment and seamless delivery of social work and contractual services for tamariki and their whanau.
• Recognising bicultural partnership in Aotearoa New Zealand and reinforce the values, rights and mana of Māori, underpinned by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Identifying and monitoring gaps, trends and developments in the delivery of services and creating approaches to address these gaps working collectively with various stakeholders.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following skills and behaviours:

• Commitment towards positive outcomes for tamariki and their whanau
• Understanding and knowledge of health, education, and NGO services that are available regionally
• Demonstrated experience in managing competing priorities
• Strong problem resolution and decision-making skills
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues and concerns, in particular, knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with an ability to be able to adapt these to suit the needs of the audience
• Ability to work in collaborative peer and other stakeholder relationships
• Willingness to travel domestically to fulfil the requirements of the role

To apply for this role, you must demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

• A tertiary education within social work or other human sciences or comparable work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a senior role within the Health, Education or Social Services sector
• Knowledge of the Oranga Tamariki Act and its operation, as well as other relevant legislation
• A full, clear drivers driver's license
• Knowledge of and established links to community networks and experience working in collaboration with community service providers and other government agencies.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,416 and $117,782 dependant on experience.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact

Applications for this role close at midnight on 28th October 2025.

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.