Taiuruki

POSITION AVAILABLE - APPLY NOW

Taiuruki – Moeraki takiwā

An opportunity to be an integral part of the Moeraki Mana Whenua Health and Social Service team in the Moeraki takiwā – Waitaki district!

Ko Wai Mātou

Who we are

Te Hā o Maru Health and Social Services is a charitable company wholly owned by Te Rūnanga o Moeraki. Te Hā o Maru has been established to provide a range of social services and health activities within the takiwā of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki. As one of the 18 Papatipu Rūnanga recognised in the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Act 1998, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, is tasked with maintaining the mana of Kāi Tahu in our takiwā.

Mahi kei te tonoa

Position

Te Hā o Maru is seeking a passionate, committed and culturally grounded Taiuruki to lead the Te Pōhā Mahika Kai Leadership Programme. This role offers an exciting opportunity for someone who is dedicated to strengthening mātauraka Māori, revitalising mahika kai practices, and empowering whānau, rakatahi and future leaders to reconnect with their whenua, wai and whakapapa.

As Team Lead, you will guide the delivery of the Te Pōhā programme, supporting participants to develop practical skills, cultural knowledge and leadership capabilities that contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of our communities and natural environments.

About the Role

The Taiuruki will provide leadership, coordination and mentoring to ensure the successful delivery of the Te Pōhā Mahika Kai Leadership Programme. You will work alongside whānau, kaumātua, mana whenua, community partners and programme participants to uphold tikaka Māori and support the intergenerational transfer of knowledge.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead, coordinate and deliver the Te Pōhā Mahika Kai Leadership Programme.

Mentor and support participants to grow their confidence, leadership skills and practical capabilities.

Promote and uphold tikaka Māori, kawa and mātauraka Māori throughout all programme activities.

Support the revitalisation and sustainable practice of mahika kai, including the protection and restoration of local ecosystems and customary food-gathering practices.

Build and maintain strong relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi, kaumātua and community organisations.

Plan and facilitate wānaka, workshops, field activities and hands-on learning experiences.

Support rakatahi and participants to understand their roles as kaitiaki of whenua, wai and taoka tuku iho.

Manage programme planning, resources, health and safety, reporting and evaluation.

Monitor participant progress and identify opportunities for ongoing learning, development and community impact.

Work collaboratively with Te Hā o Maru to achieve the programme's goals and aspirations.

Ou Pūkeka

Required skills and qualifications.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a combination of cultural knowledge, practical experience and leadership capability, including:

Tikaka Māori and Mātauraka Māori: A strong understanding of tikaka, kawa, whakapapa and Māori values, with the ability to apply these appropriately in programme settings.

Mahika kai knowledge: Practical knowledge or experience in customary food gathering, māra kai, harvesting practices, environmental restoration or sustainable resource management.

Leadership and mentoring: The ability to lead a team, motivate participants, build confidence and support others to reach their potential.

Communication and relationship building: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work respectfully with people of different ages, backgrounds and levels of experience.

Planning and organisation: The ability to coordinate activities, manage time and resources, meet deadlines and keep accurate records.

Facilitation and teaching: Confidence in delivering wānaka, workshops, practical learning sessions and group activities.

Whanaukataka and manaakitaka: A commitment to fostering positive relationships, creating inclusive learning environments and supporting the wellbeing of participants.

Kaitiakitaka and environmental awareness: A commitment to protecting taoka, caring for the environment and promoting sustainable practices.

Problem-solving and adaptability: The ability to respond positively to challenges, work independently and make sound decisions.

Health and safety awareness: The ability to identify and manage risks during outdoor activities, field trips and practical mahika kai work.

Administration and reporting: Competence in programme documentation, basic reporting, monitoring outcomes and using digital tools where required.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

The following would be advantageous:

Experience in team leadership, community development, kaupapa Māori initiatives, education or youth development.

Relevant experience in mahika kai, environmental management, conservation or cultural revitalisation.

Te reo Māori proficiency and confidence working within tikaka Māori environments.

A current driver's licence and the ability to travel to programme locations.

Current first aid certification or willingness to obtain it.

Relevant qualifications or training in leadership, environmental studies, mātauraka Māori or a related field.

We recognise that valuable knowledge is often gained through lived experience, whakapapa, mahi ā-whānau and community involvement. Applicants who bring strong cultural knowledge and practical experience are encouraged to apply, even if they do not hold formal qualifications.

Hours: 40 hours per week.  The successful application will be based in Ōamaru and mahi within the Moeraki takiwā - Waitaki district.

Employment is subject to police vetting and the requirements of the Children Act (2014).