We are seeking compassionate, resilient, and values-driven individuals to join our kaupapa māori residential service. This is an opportunity to walk alongside taiohi (young people), 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 Service and the Role
Our Youth Wellbeing Whare (supervised residential home) is located on a 40-acre farm in Karapiro.
As a Youth Mentor, you will help build identity, belonging, and whanaungatanga (relationships), providing structure and supporting taiohi to reconnect with their whānau and wider community. Youth Mentors play a key role in creating a supportive, structured environment where taiohi can strengthen their identity, build life skills, and move toward positive futures.
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-based activities to explore identity and whakapapa while recognising the taiohi’s cultural needs, values, and practices.
- 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
About You
Our ideal candidate will bring:
- A genuine passion for working alongside rangatahi in ways that are positive, trauma-informed, and mana-enhancing.
- Experience in youth work, mentoring, social services, teaching, or community support.
- An understanding of adolescent development and ideally knowledge of addiction and related issues.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people.
- The ability to remain calm, supportive, and professional in challenging situations.
- An understanding of Te Ao Māori and kaupapa Māori values, including manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.
- Reliability and flexibility 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.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- 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!
Applications for this role close on Sunday, 23 August 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
