An exciting opportunity has become available for a full-time permanent Youth Mentor to join Te Rūnanga’s residential youth service, Iti Māpihi Pounamu.

Te Rūnanga is working collaboratively with Oranga Tamariki to provide a safe and caring space for rangatahi within a Te Ao Māori based service.

We are looking for the right person to walk alongside taiohi (young people) and support 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 Kirikiriroa and beyond.

He aha te mahi? | What’s the mahi?

Our Youth Wellbeing Whare (community remand home) is located on a 40-acre farm in Karapiro. It offers a rural, stable, and nurturing environment where taiohi can reconnect with the whenua and rebuild their strengths.

As a Youth Mentor, you will apply tikanga-led practice and help build identity, belonging, and whanaungatanga (relationships), providing structure and supporting taiohi to reconnect with their whānau and wider community to move toward positive futures.

You will lead by example through upholding our pou, showing the taiohi that relationships grounded in trust and mutual respect are possible and sustainable.

The role works on a four-days-on / four-days-off roster, with 12-hour shifts (7.00am–7.00pm or 7.00pm–7.00am).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide manaakitanga (care and support), mentoring, and guidance to taiohi with complex needs and vulnerabilities.
• Build trusting relationships that support connection, healing and growth.
• Use tikanga-led activities to explore identity and whakapapa while recognising the taiohi’s cultural needs, values, and practices.
• Uphold rangatiratanga by ensuring that the taiohi’s voices are heard and their individual needs are woven into their daily routines.
• Support reconnection with whānau and other social services.
• Work collaboratively with external professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
• Maintain professional boundaries to ensure safety, wellbeing, and high-quality care

Ko wai koe? | Who are you?

• You have a genuine passion for working alongside taiohi in ways that are positive, trauma-informed, and mana-enhancing.
• You have an understanding of adolescent development, and an ability to provide stable boundaries.
• You have the ability to remain calm, supportive, and professional in challenging situations.
• You are able to role-model care and connection by applying Te Ao Māori values, including manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.
• You bring ngākau māhaki – humility and openness to learning.
• You are committed to work 12-hour shifts on a 4 days on / 4 days off roster, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.

Essential Requirements

• New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Experience in youth work, mentoring, social work, teaching, or community services.
• Ability to meet all required safety and vetting requirements for working within a Youth Justice service.

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
• Monthly external supervision
• Medical Insurance

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!

Mauria mai ō pūkenga. Mauria mai ō whakaaro. Mauria mai tō ngākau.

Bring your skills. Bring your ideas. Bring your heart.

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa.

Applications for this role close on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.