_{03rd September, 2026}

Whakamantia te tapu, te ihi, te wehi o te whānau 
To address, restore and enhance the mana and tapu of the whānau 
 
Mō mātou - About us 
Whakatū Marae holds a unique significance as a cultural and historic hub for iwi across Te Tauihu o te Waka a Māui. Grounded in kaupapa Māori values, we deliver a range of social services and programmes that support whānau wellbeing, resilience, and self-determination. 
Our mahi is informed by tikanga, whanaungatanga, and a deep commitment to supporting positive outcomes for our rangatahi, whānau, hapū, and iwi. 
 
Ngā tūranga - Current opportunities 
We currently have several positions available across our rangatahi support team, working with tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau in different settings: 

• Youth Justice (Kaitaiohi) — 1.0 FTE, permanent 
• Te Atatū Kaitaiohi — 2.0 FTE, permanent 
• Whānau Ora Youth Worker — 0.7 FTE, permanent 
• Whare Tiaki Youth Worker (Kaitaiohi) — 3.0 FTE (multiple positions), permanent, residential shift roster 
• Taku Kara Rangatira - House Parent — 25 hours per week (live-in), fixed-term maternity cover, 5 October 2026 to 5 April 2027 (6 months) 

Please indicate in your application which position(s) you are interested in — you are welcome to apply for more than one. 
 
Mō te tūranga mahi - About these roles 
Youth Justice, Whānau Ora, and Whare Tiaki Kaitaiohi / Youth Workers deliver day-to-day support, mentoring, and structured programmes that align with individual youth justice, care, and development plans, working across Whakatū and surrounding areas. The Whare Tiaki role is based on-site at our residential youth home and works a shift roster, including 12-hour shifts, night shifts, and rostered weekends and public holidays. 
The Te Atatū Kaitaiohi role sits within our Te Atatū team (a team lead, social workers, a care and protection youth worker, and two Kaimanaaki whānau), partnering with Oranga Tamariki to provide tikanga Māori social work support to whānau across the Nelson and Tasman regions.  
The Taku Kara Rangatira - House Parent lives on-site at the whare (upstairs) and will be available for 25 hours per week, including some weekend availability based on rangatahi need, providing day-to-day parental-style care, guidance, and household routines for rangatahi in residential care for a fixed 6-month period while our permanent House Parent is on maternity leave. 
 
Key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting rangatahi through mentoring, activities, and individualised programmes  
• Delivering and contributing to youth development plans 
• Working alongside whānau to strengthen engagement and outcomes 
• Advocating and brokering access to appropriate services and support networks 
• Helping resolve disputes or incidents and maintaining a clean, safe, harmonious environment  
• Assessing whānau, developing and reviewing whānau plans 
• Providing care, guidance, and supervision for rangatahi, including support with life skills, health and wellbeing, and healthy routines  
• Reporting monthly to the Kaihautū Taiohi  
• Maintaining accurate case notes, records, and reports 

 
Mōu - About you 
These roles would suit someone who is an effective communicator and is able to build trusted, respectful relationships with tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau. You will be well connected to your community, understand the supports available, and use your initiative to achieve positive outcomes for whānau. 
You bring an empathetic, impartial, and non-judgemental approach, with the ability to meet people where they are at and support them with mana and integrity. 
Our ideal candidates will have: 

• A current understanding of the social, cultural, health, employment, and economic issues facing whānau, tamariki, and rangatahi 
• Established community connections and knowledge of local networks, including iwi, hapū, and whānau ki Te Tau Ihu ō Te Waka ā Maui 
• Strong judgement, time management, and organisational skills 
• Excellent communication skills in English, with Te Reo Māori desirable (and a willingness to grow) 
• A clear understanding of manaakitanga and the ability to anticipate and respond to whānau needs 
• A tertiary qualification, or equivalent work history and experience, in Kaupapa Māori / Health / Social Work / Youth Work (Kaitaiohi roles) 
• Ability and willingness to work a 12-hour shift roster, including night shifts, rostered weekends, and public holidays (Whare Tiaki) 
• A calm, patient, and nurturing approach, with sound judgement, and willingness to live on-site for the term of the role (House Parent) 
• A collaborative, team-focused approach 
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications and report writing 
• Willingness to be smoke-free, and to meet Whakatū Marae Whānau Ora Services and Oranga Tamariki Police vetting policy 
• A full, clean driver's licence 

 
This is an opportunity to be part of a kaupapa-driven organisation making a meaningful difference in the lives of rangatahi and whānau. You will work within a supportive, values-based environment where your contribution directly supports whānau ora and positive futures. 
If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you. 
 
For confidential enquiries, please contact Sacha MacDonald 027-386-9288. 
 
To apply, submit your cover letter and CV 
 
Applications close: 16/09/2026

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