Te Kaiarataki

About This Role The role of the Te Kaiarataki is deliver early interventional health and wellbeing guidance, support and Te Kaiarataki care primary and intermediate school age tamariki where there are identified wellbeing or mental health needs. The Te Kaiarataki will be responsible for providing support, guidance, education and an appropriate range of mental health interventions for tamariki experiencing learning and behavioural issues. This will include working with school staff and whanau to identify and implement care plans that support tamariki to thrive.

The Te Kaiarataki will be responsible for delivering early interventional health and wellbeing guidance, support and programmes within the school in collaboration with other members of the Mana Ake team, the school, whanau and other services involved.

Mana Ake is a locally designed service which is tailored to meet the specific needs of primary and intermediate school communities in the Wairoa District. Mana Ake will provide school-based support to promote wellbeing and deliver mental health support for our primary and intermediate aged tamariki (Year 0-8) residing in Kahungunu ki te Wairoa. Mana Ake is about giving our tamariki access to skills and strategies to enhance their resilience, wairua and mana so they may thrive wherever they live, learn and play.

The Mana Ake team is multi-disciplinary and made up of both a cultural, Te Kaiarataki, and non-Te Kaiarataki workforce. The Mana Ake team will deliver individual, group, whole of class/school wellbeing programmes and interventions targeted at tamariki with low level issues. To understand the tasks we’d be handling, see the attached job description document at the bottom of this page.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide wellbeing and mental health support to tamariki (1:1, group, and school-wide)
• Assess needs, identify risks, and develop care plans
• Work closely with schools, whānau, and other support services
• Deliver practical strategies to improve behaviour, resilience, and emotional wellbeing
• Build strong, trusted relationships with tamariki and their support networks
• Respond appropriately to any safety or wellbeing concerns
• Maintain accurate records and follow privacy, safety, and professional standards

What We're Looking For

• Someone who connects easily with tamariki and builds trust
• Strong communication skills with whānau and school staff
• Calm, practical, and able to handle real situations
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Understanding of (or willingness to learn) tikanga Māori and kaupapa Māori approaches
• Relevant experience in mental health, social services, education, or similar

Desirable

• Experience working in schools or with tamariki
• Background in mental health, counselling, or social services
• Knowledge of Māori models of health and wellbeing
• Confidence using Te Reo Māori and tikanga in practice
• Existing connections within the Wairoa community or local services

Personal Attributes

• Genuine care for tamariki and their wellbeing
• Easy to talk to and able to build trust quickly
• Calm and steady, even in tough situations
• Takes initiative and gets things done
• Adaptable — can shift approach depending on the situation
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic