About Us

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka is committed to reversing the status quo for our whānau. We integrate mainstream values with Māori values, dignify our tīpuna, and work to improve access to the resources and opportunities that surround us.

We are guided by our values of Te Whanaungatanga, Te Maki Whakangungu, Aroha and Te Mana Rangatira, and acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of our nation.

About the Role

This role is Full-Time Fixed Term until December 2027.

Our Tiaki Tangata service supports whānau through their reintegration back into the community following incarceration.

As a Reintegration Navigator, you will work alongside individuals using a personalised, relationship-based approach. You will support them to identify their needs and long-term goals and connect them with the right support at the right time.

Grounded in the Whānau Ora model, your mahi will begin during incarceration and continue throughout the transition back into the community, with the overall goal of supporting successful reintegration and reducing reoffending.

You will provide wraparound, whānau-centred support across key areas including:

·Accommodation – supporting whānau to access safe and stable housing.

·Employment & Education – supporting access to employment, training and education pathways.

·Health & Wellbeing – connecting whānau with physical health, mental health and addiction support.

·Whānau & Social Support – supporting positive relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and pro-social networks.

·Life Skills – building capability in areas such as budgeting, communication, digital literacy and household management.

·Identity, Culture & Pro-Social Living – supporting connection with tikanga Māori, culture and community.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Reintegration Navigator, you will:

·Develop individual Reintegration/PATH Plans with clients prior to release and review these regularly.

·Work alongside clients to identify goals, barriers and the support they need to successfully reintegrate into the community.

·Liaise with the Department of Corrections, Probation, Work and Income, employers, housing and health providers, and community and iwi networks.

·Advocate for clients to ensure they can access appropriate services and opportunities.

·Maintain accurate client files, case notes and reporting.

·Promote tikanga Māori and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles throughout your mahi.

·Work collaboratively as part of a supportive multi-disciplinary team.

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for someone who can build genuine relationships while maintaining strong professional boundaries.

Ideally, you will have:

·A tertiary qualification in Social Work or a similar field and/or Social Worker registration (preferred).

·A clean, full driver’s licence.

·Strong time management and caseload management skills.

·Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office and client databases.

·The ability to work flexibly and build genuine relationships with whānau and community.

·A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori.

·Established networks within the Christchurch community (an advantage).

·An understanding of the challenges whānau may experience when transitioning from incarceration back into the community.

·No history of incarceration within the past five years.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory Police Vetting.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to do meaningful, kaupapa Māori grounded mahi and make a genuine difference for whānau at a pivotal point in their lives.

You will be supported through ongoing professional development and supervision and have the opportunity to continue growing your practice within a values-led organisation.

How to Apply

Full-Time Fixed-term Reintegration Navigator position available until December 2027, based in Christchurch, with an ASAP start:

When applying, please include a cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for the role.

Applications close 24 September 2026.

We will be actively reviewing applications and may interview suitable candidates as applications are received.

For more information about the positions, please contact Hiring Manager Jeanette Campbell.

To learn more about Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka and our mahi, please visit www.maatawaka.org.nz.