Ko wai mātou | Who are we

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is a hapū of Ngāti Whātua. We live in and around the Tāmaki isthmus. We hold to our mana motuhake, our history, our culture, our identity, and our reo. Our whakapapa traces to Tuperiri and the hapū Ngā Oho, Te Taoū, and Te Uringutu.

We are tangata whenua in Tāmaki. Our authority over land and sea rests on take tupuna, take raupatu, ahi kā, and tuku whenua.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust looks after the collective affairs of our hapū. We have more than 8,000 registered members across Aotearoa and overseas. Ōrākei Marae is our cultural hub.

Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri describes the protective reach of our ancestor across our rohe.

Our people are the heart of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Our goal is for whānau to be loved and nurtured, strong and happy, stand tall and proud, confident and enjoy life in comfort, companionship and inclusion.

Purpose of the role

We are looking for a dedicated Fixed Term Whānau Navigator to join our team and walk alongside whānau as they journey toward achieving their aspirations.

As a Whānau Navigator, you will be at the heart of our mahi, advocating, supporting, and navigating whānau through services and resources that empower them to reach their goals. Your work will be grounded in tikanga Māori, kaupapa Māori approaches, and whānau-centred practice.

You’ll hold a caseload of whānau, support them in developing tailored plans, and guide them toward better outcomes in areas like housing, health, education, economic wellbeing, and social connection. This role requires someone who can think on their feet, build trusting relationships, and champion mana motuhake.


Ngā tino pūkenga/whēako | Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant qualifications and/or experience in working with whānau

• Strong relationship management and advocacy skills

• A compassionate and culturally grounded approach to service delivery

• Solid computer and administrative skills

• A deep understanding of and commitment to Te Ao Māori

• Ability to support whānau to identify their aspirations and build capacity

• Confidence working in partnership with internal and external service providers

• A solutions-focused, collaborative mindset

• An ability to navigate systems and help whānau do the same

To be successful in this role, we recognise that the following values & competencies are critical for kaimahi/employees to flourish at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei:

• Manaakitanga 

• Respect

• Resilience

• Whānau outcome focused

• Collaboration

• Cultural Understanding

Key Result Areas:

• Deliver whānau-centred navigation services aligned to Iwi values, supporting improved outcomes for people, culture, and the environment.

• Engage, advocate for, and support whānau to access appropriate services, resources, and opportunities to achieve their goals.

• Manage a caseload of whānau, including timely engagement, assessment, planning, and coordinated service delivery.

• Partner with whānau to identify strengths, aspirations, and risks, and develop tailored plans that build capability and mana motuhake.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to provide integrated, multi-disciplinary responses to complex needs.

• Respond promptly to immediate whānau needs and risks, including completing safety plans and coordinating necessary interventions.

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation, case notes, and reporting in line with organisational and compliance requirements.

• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships and community networks to enhance service access, coordination, and outcomes for whānau.

Requirements & Checks

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. 

Please be aware in applying for this role, you may be required to undergo the following pre-employment checks:

• Police Vetting Report

• Qualification Check 

• Full Children's Safety Check

• A Full NZ Driver's License

Apply Now

If you're interested, please click the 'Apply for this job' button at the top or bottom of the page. If you have any questions about the role please email: peopleperformance@nwo.iwi.nz 

We will be reviewing applications and undertaking interviews ahead of the closing date, therefore please do not hesitate to submit your application!