Job Description

We are seeking compassionate, resilient, and values-driven individuals to join our team as Casual Youth Mentors. This is an opportunity to walk alongside taiohi, 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 Role

Iti Māpihi Pounamu is a 10-acre farm in Karapiro and offers a safe environment and intensive support for taiohi as they navigate their healing journey. As a Youth Mentor, you will help build identity, belonging, and whanaungatanga (relationships), supporting rangatahi to reconnect with their whānau and wider community.

As a Casual Youth Mentor, you will provide cover for team members who work a 4 days on / 4 days off roster. Shifts are 12 hours (7.00am–7.00pm or 7.00pm–7.00am) and include weekends and public holidays.

You will play a key role in creating a supportive, structured environment where taiohi can strengthen their identity, build life skills, and move toward positive futures.

Key Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships that support healing and growth.
• Provide manaakitanga (care and support), mentoring, and guidance to taiohi.
• Ensure that day to day activities related to each taiohi are completed including accurate and appropriate communications to the programme educator and team lead.
• Use tikanga-based activities to explore identity and whakapapa
• Support reconnection with whānau and other social services.
• Work collaboratively with external professionals to achieve positive outcomes.

About You

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• A relevant qualification in youth work, social services, teaching, or a related field (or a willingness to work towards one).
• The ability to build positive, respectful relationships with a wide range of people.
• Experience working with rangatahi in ways that are positive, mana-enhancing, and proactive.
• An understanding of adolescent development and, ideally, knowledge of addiction and related issues.
• Strong engagement, communication, and motivational skills.
• A genuine passion for working alongside rangatahi and a willingness to deepen your understanding of te ao Māori.

To be considered for this role, you must:

• Have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa)
• Hold a full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence, as driving is required in this role.
• Be able to meet safety checking and police vetting requirements in accordance with the Children’s Act.

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.
• Ongoing development and learning opportunities.

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 22 March 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.