Housing Navigator

Housing Navigator – Korowai Manaaki

About Us

Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation grounded in a whānau-first, tikanga-based wellbeing approach. Our mahi is guided by our six pou: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, arohatanga, rangatiratanga, tika and pono. We deliver health and social services across the lifespan and have nigh on 150 kaimahi working across Kirikiriroa and beyond.

About the Role

Korowai Manaaki is seeking a Housing Navigator to walk alongside whanaunga as they work towards securing suitable housing, maintaining stable tenancies, and achieving their wider wellbeing goals.

You will manage an allocated caseload, providing practical, whānau-led support to help whanaunga navigate housing challenges, access suitable accommodation, and overcome barriers to housing stability. This includes advocating for whanaunga, assisting with housing applications and referrals, supporting tenancy transitions, and connecting whanaunga with appropriate health, social, cultural, and community services.

You will work collaboratively with landlords, housing providers, internal teams, and external agencies to support positive housing outcomes. You will also help whanaunga build confidence in understanding tenancy responsibilities, managing their living arrangements, and developing greater independence.

This role sits within the Korowai Manaaki service and is guided by the Kaitautoko – Team Lead.

Working hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Build trusting, professional relationships with whanaunga, their whānau, and relevant stakeholders to support positive housing outcomes.
• Manage an allocated caseload, identifying housing needs, developing practical support pathways, and monitoring whanaunga progress.
• Advocate for whanaunga and support them to navigate housing applications, referrals, placement processes, and barriers to securing suitable accommodation.
• Provide practical assistance during housing transitions, including move-ins, move-outs, and support to maintain tenancies.
• Work collaboratively with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community agencies to identify housing opportunities and coordinate appropriate support.
• Help whanaunga understand tenancy rights and responsibilities, property care, and practical skills that support housing stability and independence.
• Identify emerging tenancy risks, safety concerns, or barriers to housing sustainability and escalate significant matters appropriately.
• Support whanaunga to strengthen connections with whānau, cultural networks, community resources, and other services that contribute to their wellbeing.
• Provide practical logistical support, including ad hoc transport to appointments, services, and housing opportunities as required.
• Maintain accurate case notes, housing-related documentation, referrals, and reporting information within the organisation’s Client Management System (CMS); Recordbase.
• Participate in team hui, professional supervision, kaupapa-based activities, and ongoing training opportunities.

Skills

• Ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with whanaunga experiencing housing instability or other life challenges.
• Strong communication, advocacy, and practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide whānau-led, strengths-based support while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Confidence engaging with landlords, housing providers, government agencies, and community organisations.
• Ability to support whanaunga through housing applications, placements, tenancy transitions, and ongoing housing challenges.
• Strong organisational skills, including managing a caseload, coordinating referrals, following up agreed actions, and maintaining accurate records.
• Sound judgement when identifying risks, escalating concerns, and working within organisational procedures.
• Cultural competency and a willingness to learn and apply kaupapa Māori approaches in everyday practice.

Experience

• Experience in housing support, social services, community services, or a related setting.
• Experience supporting individuals or whānau to navigate practical challenges and access appropriate services.
• Experience managing a caseload, coordinating referrals, or working collaboratively with housing providers is advantageous.
• Knowledge of tenancy processes, housing pathways, and tenant rights and responsibilities would be beneficial.

Qualifications and Education

• Qualification in social services, housing, community work, or a related field preferred, or relevant experience.
• Full New Zealand driver licence.
• Ability to pass Police and OT vetting.

Benefits

• Work in a kaupapa Māori organisation rooted in community service and cultural integrity.
• Regular professional supervision and ongoing development opportunities.
• Access to medical insurance.
• Supportive team environment with a strong commitment to whanaungatanga and collective uplift.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re passionate about helping whanaunga find and maintain stable housing, overcome barriers, and build greater independence, we’d love to hear from you.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by providing practical support, strengthening connections, and helping whanaunga work towards lasting housing and wellbeing outcomes.

Join us in making a difference – apply now.

Applications welcome until 11/11/2026.