We are seeking compassionate, resilient, and values-driven individuals to join our team as Casual Youth Mentors. This is an opportunity to walk alongside taiohi, supporting their healing, growth, and reconnection in a safe and mana-enhancing environment.
About the Organisation
Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation based on a whānau-first, tikanga-based, wellbeing approach. Our organisation works to a model of care centred around our pou (guiding principles) of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, arohatanga, rangatiratanga, tika and pono. We deliver health and social services across the lifespan and have a team of over 100 people working across Hamilton city and beyond.
About the Role
Iti Māpihi Pounamu is a 10-acre farm in Karapiro and offers a safe environment and intensive support for taiohi as they navigate their healing journey. As a Youth Mentor, you will help build identity, belonging, and whanaungatanga (relationships), supporting rangatahi to reconnect with their whānau and wider community.
As a Casual Youth Mentor, you will provide cover for team members who work a 4 days on / 4 days off roster. Shifts are 12 hours (7.00am–7.00pm or 7.00pm–7.00am) and include weekends and public holidays.
You will play a key role in creating a supportive, structured environment where taiohi can strengthen their identity, build life skills, and move toward positive futures.
Key Responsibilities
- Build trusting relationships that support healing and growth.
- Provide manaakitanga (care and support), mentoring, and guidance to taiohi.
- Ensure that day to day activities related to each taiohi are completed including accurate and appropriate communications to the programme educator and team lead.
- Use tikanga-based activities to explore identity and whakapapa
- Support reconnection with whānau and other social services.
- Work collaboratively with external professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
About You
Our ideal candidate will bring:
- A relevant qualification in youth work, social services, teaching, or a related field (or a willingness to work towards one).
- The ability to build positive, respectful relationships with a wide range of people.
- Experience working with rangatahi in ways that are positive, mana-enhancing, and proactive.
- An understanding of adolescent development and, ideally, knowledge of addiction and related issues.
- Strong engagement, communication, and motivational skills.
- A genuine passion for working alongside rangatahi and a willingness to deepen your understanding of te ao Māori.
To be considered for this role, you must:
- Have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa)
- Hold a full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence, as driving is required in this role.
- Be able to meet safety checking and police vetting requirements in accordance with the Children’s Act.
What We Offer
- Work in a kaupapa Māori organisation rooted in community service and cultural integrity.
- Contribute to meaningful mahi that uplifts whānau, is based on tikanga, and supports wellbeing.
- Ongoing development and learning opportunities.
Ready to join us?
If you are committed to working in a kaupapa Māori environment, passionate about supporting rangatahi, and want to grow your practice while making a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Applications for this role close on Sunday 22 March 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
