Are you a care-experienced rangatahi ready to lead?
VOYCE -Whakarongo Mai is looking for six National Care Experienced Youth Advocates to
establish a new rōpū (group) of care-experienced rangatahi to lead Te Waka
Rangatira – our youth leadership movement.
As a member of the National Care Experienced Youth Advocate rōpu, you will
develop and lead a diverse network of care-experienced rangatahi to inform and
participate in VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai initiatives that amplify the voices of
care experienced youth – whether
that’s in your region or within a community you’re part of (such as cultural,
rainbow, or disability community, etc). You will bring rangatahi voices into
national advocacy, help advocate for positive change in the care system, and
act as a tuākana to younger rangatahi finding their feet. In this role you will
be a contractor, fixed-term for 12 months, part-time at 8 hours per week (hours
are flexible and can be worked at a time agreed with your line manager).
This role
is open to people aged 20–27 who have lived experience of care (foster care,
residential care, youth justice, whāngai/whānau care or other state care). No
formal qualifications are required.
About you
We want someone who is ready to transform their lived experience into
a powerful tool for building impactful community networks, helping others
navigate and influence the care system, champion policy change and develop
meaningful connections for our tamariki and rangatahi. We are looking for individuals who believe wholeheartedly in the
kaupapa of VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai and are ready to step into a leadership role
for the care-experienced community and our movement. Someone who knows what
it’s like to be in care, who understands the issues facing tamariki and
rangatahi in the system, and who wants to use that knowledge to create real
change. Someone who aligns with our values of Aroha, Manaakitanga, Tika and
Pono.
You will have:
- Lived experience of care in Aotearoa
- Age 20–27 at the time of appointment (essential)
- Ability to travel nationally for wānanga, hui and events and stay overnight on your own (travel and accommodation costs will be covered).
- Familiarity with VOYCE -Whakarongo Mai and/or Te Waka Rangatira (e.g. as a tūhono attendee, on Regional Youth Council, participant, or advocate, etc.)
- An understanding of the issues facing care-experienced rangatahi, 6 Promises or VOYCE’s advocacy kaupapa
- The ability to build relationships and connect with other rangatahi
- Basic digital literacy – able to use email, video calls, and social media
- The ability to obtain a Children’s
Worker Vetting clearance (we’ll support you through this process).
Why join us?
As a National Care Experienced Youth Advocate, you will:
- Be paid for your time and your leadership
- Join a rōpū of 6 rangatahi leaders, working together at a national level
- Receive high-quality training, mentoring, and hauora support throughout your term
- Attend national hui and wānanga (travel and accommodation fully covered)
- You will bring the voices of rangatahi into national and regional forums, advocacy, and the
policies that shape the care system in Aotearoa.
- Have opportunities to participate in governance-level work and help shape VOYCE’s strategies and advocacy.
- Be supported by a dedicated manager and the wider VOYCE whānau every step of the way
You will also work for an organisation that:
- Has a culture of learning and growth
- Provides internal training opportunities, and an excellent induction programme that sets you up for success
- Prioritises your wellbeing
- Is supportive, fun, and incredibly passionate about what we do!
About VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai
VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai stands for the Voice of the Young and Care Experienced – Listen
to me. We are an independent NGO that advocates for tamariki and rangatahi in
care across Aotearoa. VOYCE was co-designed by and for young people with care
experience, and we remain committed to keeping rangatahi voices at the centre
of everything we do. Our mahi is underpinned by five foundational pou developed
with rangatahi: Whakamana, Tūhono, Whakatairanga, Whai Pūkenga, and
Rangatiratanga.
Applications close: Friday, 3rd July 2026 at 5pm
For more information or a copy of the position description, email pandc@voyce.org.nz
Note: The anticipated start date for this position is August 2026.
At VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive
workplace that celebrates diversity. We are Rainbow Tick accredited and take pride in being an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants that feel they have the necessary skills, experience, and passion for this role to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment
process, please let us know how we can support you.
Please note: We will be reviewing applications as they come through and reserve the right to close applications prior to the listed date where we identify a suitable candidate for this role.
