Two exciting opportunities are available to join Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa’s residential youth service, Iti Māpihi Pounamu (IMP):

• Youth Mentor – Full-time, Permanent
• Youth Mentor – Full-time, 12-month Fixed-term (Parental Leave Cover)

About the Organisation

Te Rūnanga o Kirikiriroa is a kaupapa Māori organisation who work to 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. 

He aha te mahi? | What’s the mahi?

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

Our Youth Wellbeing Whare Iti Māpihi Pounamu (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. You will provide structure, support and guidance while helping taiohi reconnect with their whānau and wider community and move towards positive futures.

Both positions work on a four-days-on / four-days-off roster, with 12-hour shifts (7.00am–7.00pm or 7.00pm–7.00am), including nights, weekends and public holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide manaakitanga (care and support), mentoring, and guidance to taiohi.
• 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?

We are looking for the right people to walk alongside taiohi (young people) and support their healing, growth, and reconnection in a safe and mana-enhancing environment. You will have:

• A genuine passion for working alongside taiohi in ways that are positive, trauma-informed, and mana-enhancing.
• An understanding of adolescent development, and an ability to provide stable boundaries.
• The ability to remain calm, supportive, and professional in challenging situations.
• An ability to apply Te Ao Māori values, including manaakitanga and whanaungatanga.
• Ngākau māhaki: humility and openness to learning.
• A commitment 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?

Whether you are looking for a permanent opportunity or a 12-month role while a kaimahi is on parental leave, we’d love to hear from you.

If you are committed to working in a kaupapa Māori environment, passionate about supporting taiohi, 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, 13 October 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.