Attendance Navigator

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau?

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka is looking for a motivated, compassionate and community-minded Attendance Navigation Kaimahi to join our team.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference by supporting young people to overcome barriers to school attendance, reconnect with education and achieve their aspirations.

About us

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka is a kaupapa Māori organisation committed to supporting and empowering individuals, whānau and communities.

Our mahi is grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and a commitment to improving outcomes for the people we serve.

About the role

Working as part of the Christchurch East Central Attendance Service (ECAS), you will support tamariki and rangatahi across East and Central Christchurch who are experiencing challenges with school attendance and engagement.

Rather than taking a punitive approach, you will work alongside young people and their whānau to understand their circumstances, identify barriers and develop practical, sustainable solutions.

This is a relationship-focused role where building trust, encouraging positive change and celebrating progress are at the heart of what you do.

Your key responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.
• Identify and address barriers preventing young people from attending or engaging in education.
• Provide individualised mentoring, guidance and ongoing support.
• Work alongside whānau to develop meaningful goals and support plans.
• Collaborate with schools, community organisations and other support services.
• Promote positive youth development, cultural identity and whānau wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate case notes, records and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to achieve positive outcomes.

About you

We're looking for someone who genuinely cares about young people and their futures.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Experience working in youth development, education, social services or community support, or a strong willingness to learn.
• An understanding of kaupapa Māori principles and a commitment to culturally responsive practice.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to connect with young people and whānau from diverse backgrounds.
• A positive, patient and solutions-focused approach.
• Strong organisational, time-management and administrative skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Confidence working with schools, agencies and community providers.
• A full New Zealand driver's licence.

You will also need to be flexible, as the role may involve working outside normal office hours and participating in a roster providing phone support to whānau.

Most importantly, you'll bring empathy, integrity and a genuine desire to help tamariki and rangatahi succeed.

Why join us?

At Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka, you'll be part of a team working to create meaningful and lasting change in our community.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Make a real difference in the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• Work within a supportive kaupapa Māori environment.
• Build strong connections with schools, whānau and community organisations.
• Develop your professional skills and cultural knowledge.
• Contribute to positive educational and wellbeing outcomes across Ōtautahi.

Ready to make a difference?

If you're passionate about supporting young people, building strong whānau connections and helping rangatahi reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and become part of the mahi at Te Rūnanga o Ngā Maata Waka.

He mahi whai tikanga – work that makes a difference.

If you have any questions about this role please email [email protected]