Kaitakawaenga | Māori Liaison
- Lead Māori cultural capability and engagement
- Impactful mahi supporting tāngata whaikaha Māori
- Full time, permanent role, Te Waipounamu based
Support tāngata whaikaha Māori to stay connected with whānau and culture while building Māori capability across the organisation.
Ko wai te Pakihi nei | About the Organisation
IDEA Services is New Zealand’s largest provider of support for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. They help adults live independently, build confidence, and thrive as valued members of their communities, guided by IHC’s vision for tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau to live well, stay connected to culture, and be fully included in society.
Ko te āhua o te tūranga | About the Role
Your role as Kaitakawaenga / Māori Liaison will be to lead and strengthen Māori cultural capability across Te Waipounamu and Aotearoa. This pivotal role supports tāngata whaikaha Māori to reconnect with whānau, hapū and iwi, builds on staff confidence, and guides leaders to embed tikanga, kawa and te reo Māori while driving the implementation of Te Rautaki Urupare Māori.
As Kaitakawaenga you will:
- Provide cultural leadership and support across the organisation
- Deliver training and coaching to increase cultural competence
- Strengthen whanaungatanga through genuine engagement with Māori communities
- Advocate for the needs of tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau
- Shape how Te Tiriti o Waitangi is honoured across their service delivery
- Support kapa haka and cultural initiatives that foster connection and identity
Ko wai koe | About You
You will be someone who naturally brings people together, can confidently guide others in te ao Māori, and has a passion for strengthening whanaungatanga. With your cultural knowledge, leadership, and ability to influence at all levels, you will be comfortable moving between communities, whānau, and organisational leadership.
- Confident and competent in te reo Māori, tikanga, kawa, with a solid understanding of relevant legislation
- Proven ability to influence leaders and coach staff to build cultural capability
- Exceptional relationship-building skills across whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori communities
- Skilled in planning, problem solving and delivering successful outcomes
- Experience designing and delivering training to grow cultural capability
- A tertiary qualification or equivalent Māori leadership experience (desirable)
- Flexibility to travel extensively across Te Waipounamu and Aotearoa
If you’re passionate about supporting tāngata whaikaha Māori and strengthening cultural capability within a respected national organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications close Monday 27 October
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the closing date.
Me tono mai inaīanei | Apply Now!
To find out more, please get in touch with
Orissa Plimmer on
0272851461 for a confidential kōrero.
To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.
At the appropriate stage we will request your references, we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.
We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space. A place where excellence and culture are encouraged and ultimately, recognised.
Kia tau ai te mauri tū, te mauri ora ki te katoa. Nau mai, tau mai! Vitality and well-being for all. Welcome, settle here!