Whanau Ora Kaitautoko at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Whānau Ora Kaitautoko - Hauora Māori Mental Health & Addiction
•  Midcentral (Manawatu / Horowhenua)
•  Permanent Fulltime
• Empowering whānau through kaupapa Māori care and connection

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As a Whānau Ora Kaitautoko, you'll act as a vital bridge between whānau, services, and community supports. You'll:

• Support whānau throughout their healthcare journey—from entry to transition and beyond
• Advocate for whānau voice and ensure culturally responsive care
• Strengthen pathways between hospital, community, iwi and Māori providers
• Work alongside clinicians and kaimahi to support holistic care planning
• Promote Te Ao Māori models of care, including Te Whare Tapa Whā and rongoā Māori
• Enable seamless, whānau-centred support focused on long-term wellbeing

This is a role grounded in manaakitanga, whakawhanaungatanga, and advocacy, with a strong focus on equity and improved outcomes for Māori.

About the Team/Service

You'll be part of a kaupapa Māori service delivering care through Te Mātāpuna o te Ora – The Source of Wellbeing, a model that recognises the interconnectedness of wairua, hinengaro, tinana and whānau.

We are committed to:

• Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Delivering culturally responsive, whānau-centred care
• Supporting flourishing individuals, whānau and communities

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees.  We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About you

You'll bring passion, cultural knowledge, and the ability to connect:

• Experience working with whānau in mental health and/or addiction
• Strong understanding of te ao Māori me ōna tikanga
• Confidence in advocacy, relationship-building and working across services
• Knowledge of community, iwi and Māori support services
• Ability to lead, influence and support whānau-focused outcomes
• Full driver's licence

Bonus if you have:

• Te Reo Māori
• Lived experience
• Teaching or facilitation experience
• Established networks within Māori communities

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. With no traffic and a short commute to work, achieving true work-life balance is the everyday reality.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatū:

Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business

Careers in Manawatū and Whanganui

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.  

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Allied Health Recruitment Advisor  (Email: Tara.Penketh@tewhatuora.govt.nz)

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.