Job Description

Kaiāki – The Connector

Te Kāhu Tiu – Reikorangi Valley, Kāpiti Coast

Te Kāhu Tiu is a kaupapa Māori organisation dedicated to supporting rangatahi and their whānau to heal, reconnect, and thrive. Through innovative, tikanga-based approaches, Te Kāhu Tiu empowers young people to restore their identity, build resilience, and the skills they need to move into education, training and work. https://www.tekahutiu.org.nz/.

He angitūtanga | The opportunity

Join Te Kāhu Tiu as we launch our new tikanga-based mana-affirming programme—a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of rangatahi.

As Kaiāki – The Connector, you’ll build strong, trusting relationships with rangatahi, their whānau, and key community partners so that positive change made on-site at Te Kāhu Tiu is carried into the home and sustained long term.

You’ll visit whānau in their homes to build trust, listen, and understand their realities, strengths, and pressures. Acting as the main relationship bridge between whānau and the on-site team, you’ll share updates both ways, align goals, and support whānau to take part in hui, wānanga, and safety planning. You’ll connect whānau to the right services and networks, and ensure our kaupapa and programme information is accessible and meaningful for every whānau

He kōrero mōu | About you

You are warm, empathetic, and skilled at building relationships with whānau from diverse backgrounds, especially Māori and high-needs communities. You have experience in whānau ora, social services, community work, youth work, or similar roles, and are confident engaging kanohi ki te kanohi, running small hui, and de-escalating tension in stressful situations.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Strong relationship-building skills and warmth with whānau
• Experience in whānau ora, social services, community or youth work
• Confident engaging face-to-face, running hui, and de-escalating tension
• Able to navigate local systems (schools, GPs, social services, housing, employment, iwi providers) and advocate alongside whānau
• Full driver’s licence and willingness to travel across the rohe
• Strong commitment to kaupapa Māori, equity, and intergenerational wellbeing

Ngā hāora me te utu | Hours and remuneration

This role is a 12-month fixed term contract with potential to extend. It is a fulltime position, requiring flexibility. The salary is $80,000 plus Kiwisaver.

Tono mai | Apply now

If you would like to apply, please tell us why you would like to be part of this kaupapa in your cover letter and submit this via the Apply Now button along with your resume by the closing date of Friday 23 January 2026.

Please direct any queries to Jane Temel, Director, Niche Recruitment on 021 499 902 or email jane.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz.

E whai ake nei | Next Steps

If you are selected to proceed to the next stage, you will be invited to attend a 2–3-day wānanga on 20-22 February.