Programme Lead - Puāwai Mokopuna (Fixed-term, fulltime)

Programme Lead - Puāwai Mokopuna (Fixed-term, fulltime)

Arowhenua Whānau Services | Aoraki Region

Help shape the future for pēpi, mokopuna and whānau

Arowhenua Whānau Services is seeking an experienced and visionary Programme Lead to establish and lead Puāwai Mokopuna | Growing Healthy Mokopuna, a new kaupapa Māori maternal and early-years initiative supporting hapū māmā, pēpi, mokopuna and whānau across the Aoraki region.

Puāwai Mokopuna has been developed to strengthen the wellbeing of hapū māmā, pēpi and whānau by creating a connected kaupapa Māori pathway from pregnancy through the first 2,000 days. The initiative brings together whānau navigation, clinical partnerships, outreach, Hapū Wānanga and coordinated support so whānau experience a connected journey rather than a fragmented system.

This is a unique opportunity to establish a significant new programme and help shape a lasting legacy for future generations of mokopuna across the region.

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About the Role

The Programme Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership for Puāwai Mokopuna, ensuring successful implementation, delivery, partnership development, quality improvement, evaluation and contract performance.

You will:

• Lead the establishment and implementation of the programme.
• Build relationships with hapū, iwi, Health New Zealand, Lead Maternity Carers, Tamariki Ora providers, primary care and community partners.
• Develop and strengthen referral pathways.
• Support and lead a kaupapa Māori workforce.
• Oversee reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure programme delivery reflects kaupapa Māori principles and Whānau Ora outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability, growth and future investment.

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What Matters Most

We are looking for a leader who understands that thriving mokopuna begin with thriving whānau.

Success in this role requires someone who:

• Understands kaupapa Māori approaches to whānau wellbeing.
• Values whānau rangatiratanga and strengths-based practice.
• Can build trusted partnerships across health, social and community sectors.
• Leads with integrity, manaakitanga and professionalism.
• Is able to turn a vision into practical delivery.
• Understands both systems leadership and grassroots community engagement.
• Can confidently navigate complexity while maintaining a clear focus on outcomes for whānau.

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Who We're Looking For

You will ideally bring:

• Significant leadership experience within Whānau Ora, Māori health, maternal and child health, social services, community development or related sectors.
• Experience establishing or leading programmes, services or initiatives.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement capability.
• Experience working across multiple agencies and disciplines.
• Experience managing contracts, reporting and programme performance.
• Understanding of Te Ao Māori, tikanga and kaupapa Māori approaches.
• Experience leading quality improvement, service development or innovation initiatives.
• Confidence using systems, data and reporting platforms to support continuous improvement.

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Location

This role supports delivery across the wider Aoraki region, including Timaru, Hakatere (Ashburton), Waimate, Mackenzie District and surrounding communities.

Applications are welcomed from candidates living anywhere within the region. Regular travel will be required.

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Why Join Arowhenua Whānau Services?

This is a rare opportunity to establish a new kaupapa Māori maternal and early-years initiative from the ground up.

You will help build an enduring regional pathway that supports hapū māmā, strengthens parenting confidence, improves early access to support, and contributes to better outcomes for mokopuna and future generations.

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Interested?

For a confidential discussion about the role or to request a Position Description, please contact:

Shantel Barrett
Senior Manager Operations & Workforce

Phone: 0274076011

Email: [email protected]

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Applications

Please provide:

• A current CV.
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and what you would bring to the kaupapa.

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Applications should be submitted to:

••••@aws.health.nz

Applications Close: 11 November 2026

Applications will be screened as they are received. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as interviews may commence before the advertised closing date. Full vetting conducted Police, Oranga Tamariki and Ministry of Justice checks.

He waka eke noa

Together we can strengthen whānau, enhance wellbeing and support safer communities.