About us:
We are a kaupapa Māori, not-for-profit charitable company based in Otago that works for mana whenua in the areas of environment, health, social services, cultural integration and economic development. Our mission is to create pathways to a better future for Kāi Tahu, iwi Māori, and our wider communities. We ensure that mana whenua values are authentically integrated into the cultural, economic, social, and environmental fabric of our shareholding takiwā. We are driven by the vision of Papatipu Rūnaka and hapū to achieve their aspirations and exercise their rakatirataka, facilitated through Aukaha’s advocacy and support.

We are owned and governed by five Kāi Tahu papatipu rūnaka:

• Te Rūnanga o Waihao
• Te Rūnanga o Moeraki
• Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki
• Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou
• Hokonui Rūnanga

About You
You are driven by a passion for transformative community impact, specifically dedicated to empowering Māori and Pasifika rakatahi to achieve self-determined career and life success. You possess a natural flair for building authentic trust and providing foundational support to those disengaged from employment, education, or training. You are committed to upholding a whānau-centered and culturally appropriate approach in all engagements, ensuring every interaction fosters holistic well-being and addresses fundamental barriers. You are a self-starting, innovative thinker committed to continuous improvement, whose excellent communication enables you to articulate and drive outcomes for rakatahi. As we are a kaupapa Māori organisation, your knowledge or willingness to learn about tikaka, te reo Māori, and Kāi Tahu whānui will be crucial in this role.

The Role

Please note this is a part-time (30 hours per week), fixed-term position for 1-year.  

We are seeking an Employment Navigator to join our Employment, Trades and Training Team. This is a pivotal role, collaborating to deliver the He Poutama Rangatahi initiative, a unique multi-module programme focused on providing early and sustained engagement for rakatahi who are currently disengaged from employment, education, or training. This position provides foundational support grounded in a te ao Māori approach, with the core aim of building trust, removing fundamental barriers, and fostering holistic wellbeing to ultimately enable rakatahi to achieve successful, self-determined career and life outcomes. The support provided through this role will empower rakatahi to be more self-managing and drive individual responsibility for their own economic, cultural and social development, and well-being.

Your responsibilities include:

• Engagement and relationship building: Proactively connect and build trusting relationships with Māori and Pasifika rakatahi aged 15-24, and their whānau, ensuring engagement is culturally safe and responsive.
• Barrier removal and immediate support: Address immediate barriers to remove fundamental, immediate obstacles to engagement and stability. Provide direct support to resolve core issues such as a lack of identification, building confidence, developing effective communication skills, and linking rakatahi to critical immediate services.
• Programme delivery support: Assist the Kaiārahi Pūtere Rautaki in delivering the full multi-module programme (Hauora, Ka Poipoi, Training, Ka Whakatinana, Sustained Support) to progressively build foundational wellbeing and life skills, well in advance of expectations for job-readiness.
• Tailored pastoral care: Assess individual aspirations and barriers to develop and deliver culturally appropriate, tailored pastoral care embedded in te ao Māori. Actively involve whānau to strengthen resilience and ensure sustained, long-term support.
• Facilitating meaningful pathways: Support rakatahi to identify and access meaningful opportunities based on their choice and self-determination, whether in further study, employment, or community engagement. Ensure the transition is supported by ongoing, proactive connection and sustained support.

Aukaha is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi in committing to bicultural responsiveness, equal employment opportunities and workforce development. We offer a competitive salary and scope to develop your skills, generous leave entitlements (including a paid day off work on your Birthday!) and professional development opportunities to ensure your continued growth. With a flexible and autonomous working environment, we also provide staff benefits that ensure a good work-life balance.

To Apply
If this opportunity aligns with your skills and passion, we invite you to apply and join our dedicated team. We are looking to fill these positions promptly and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, inviting shortlisted candidates for interviews. Don’t hesitate—apply now for this exciting role!

All applicants must be a New Zealand Citizen or Resident or hold a valid work visa to legally work in New Zealand immediately (please detail your visa status as part of the application process) and be willing to undergo police vetting and any other checks relevant to the role.

Please apply directly via our website: www.aukaha.co.nz/work-with-us/

Applications close on 26 November 2025 at 11.59pm.