Regional Commissioner - Canterbury/West Coast at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Join us in this pivotal senior leadership role where you will shape how Tamariki and Whānau Services are delivered across the Canterbury and West Coast regions. As Regional Commissioner, you will lead regional performance, support frontline delivery, and build strong, trusted relationships with strategic partners, iwi, communities and agencies to improve outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi.

This role will be based in Christchurch, and the successful candidate must either be currently based in in the region or willing to relocate. 

This is a permanent and full time role. The successful candidate will strengthen on-the-ground leadership, improve support for our people, and enhance our connection with communities.

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is committed to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. Our values guide how we work with children, whānau, communities and partners:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We work in partnership with hapū, iwi, Māori organisations and community providers to design and deliver services that best support tamariki and whānau. Our operating model strengthens national and regional alignment while enabling locally led solutions.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Tamariki and Whānau Services (TAWS) group delivers frontline services to tamariki and whānau through regional practice, national models, and operational support. As Regional Commissioner, you will provide senior leadership for Tamariki and Whānau Services across the Canterbury and West Coast regions, ensuring that high‑quality care & protection and caregiver services are delivered consistently and effectively.

You will lead Site Managers and Service Managers by setting clear expectations, overseeing performance, and enabling a coordinated regional approach to service delivery. As part of the National Commissioner’s regional leadership team, you will drive continuous improvement, strengthen practice quality, and ensure services are responsive to the needs of tamariki and whānau.

A critical component of this role is strategic relationship leadership. You will build, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with strategic partners in the community, including Iwi, Māori organisations, service providers and government agencies, to support locally led and integrated solutions. You will ensure these relationships are effective, aligned with organisational priorities, and contribute to improved outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau across the region.

You will also be a core member of the TaWS leadership team, working collaboratively across regions to ensure consistency, shared accountability and effective use of resources.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

We are seeking an experienced, inspiring and credible leader who brings:

• A strong and collegial leadership approach.
• Extensive experience leading high‑performing teams.
• Strength in both strategic and operational leadership.
• A commitment to continuous improvement.
• Courage, resilience, adaptability and curiosity.
• The ability to inspire others and foster a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑management skills.

You will have a deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, kaupapa Māori approaches, tikanga Māori and Pacific perspectives, and be able to champion the cultural frameworks that guide our work—including mana tamaiti, whakapapa and whanaungatanga. You will understand complex social service environments and the machinery of government, and be adept at identifying risks, proposing solutions and supporting improved performance and practice.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

You will join a supportive, values driven organisation committed to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi, and to the growth and development of our kaimahi.

We offer:

• A positive, inclusive and collaborative team culture.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Extensive professional development opportunities.
• A strong focus on wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.

Find out more about the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki:

https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and a cover letter that tells the story of why you are the right fit for this role, why you want to lead at Oranga Tamariki, and what you will bring.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee, please apply using your Oranga Tamariki login on our online Careers portal.

If you have any questions about this role, please email: Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz

Applications close at midnight on Tuesday 29^th September 2026

If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please familiarise yourself with our Code of Conduct, including expectations of being free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.