Mō mātou | About us
Mana Mokopuna - Children and Young People's Commission is an independent advocate for all 1.2 million mokopuna aged under 18 years in Aotearoa. We also advocate for care-experienced mokopuna aged up to 25 years.
Our name, Mana Mokopuna, describes who we are and what we stand for. At its heart, Mana Mokopuna recognises the many elements that will support mokopuna to thrive. It focuses on mokopuna in the context of their family, whānau, hapū, iwi and wider community. It also recognises that their participation in decisions that affect them is vitally important.
Te moemoeā: kia kuru pounamu te rongo; our vision that all children and young people of Aotearoa live their best lives.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
This 6-month fixed-term opportunity is based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, within our Participation and Engagement – Mai World team. The Mai World team is responsible for engaging with mokopuna and their whānau, hapū, iwi and communities to understand their experiences and aspirations so that we can amplify their voices and advocate for their needs to inform public discourse on children's rights and well-being.
The Kairaranga Mokopuna and Whānau is a key position dedicated to guiding culturally safe and ethical engagement practices with mokopuna Māori, their whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities. This role provides expertise in tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori, supporting the Mai World team in designing and facilitating engagement activities across the motu.
The role also includes identifying and addressing mātauranga Māori development needs, mentoring kaimahi, and embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into operational policies and practices. By strengthening the team’s capacity and capability, the Kairaranga ensures that the voices of mokopuna Māori are heard, valued, and integrated into meaningful action.
You can view and download the full position description below.
Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
You will bring a unique blend of cultural expertise, skills in coaching and guiding others, and a strong commitment to promoting children’s rights and well-being. You will be equipped with a strong understanding of and ability to apply engagements practices grounded in te ao Māori and will likely have an extensive background in social work, youth work or community engagement.
Drawing from a deep understanding of Māori values and practices, you are well equipped to undertake and guide effective engagement with mokopuna Māori, their whānau, and Māori communities. With expertise in tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori, you will coach and support your team and strengthen capability to engage with mokopuna in culturally appropriate ways and ensure that their voices are heard and treasured.
Along with your strong engagement skills, you will be an exceptional writer and able to deliver compelling written reports and presentations which amplify the voices and aspirations of mokopuna and their whanau, ensuring that they are heard by those making decisions that will impact them.
You will also have:
- Proficiency or fluency in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga
- A deep understanding of effective, ethical engagement practices, particularly relevant to tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau
- An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it applies within the engagement context
- Proven experience in managing relationships across government agencies and education institutions
- Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to influence others without necessarily having authority
- Exceptional communication and engagement skills (both written and verbal)
- Strength in seeing the ‘bigger picture’ and using your critical thinking skills and political savviness to help others to do the same
- Strong analytical skills and a proven ability to synthesise information, draw conclusions, and make clear recommendations.
We are open to considering secondments from other organisations.
Ngā hua ka puta i te mahi ki Mana Mokopuna | What we can offer you
- A salary range of $113,424 (min) to $125,582 (mid), up to $137,740 (max) gross per annum
- Flexible working options with a hybrid model – balance time between life and mahi, working from both the tari and home
- Opportunities to further develop your Te Reo Māori through regular lessons, along with waiata and kapa haka
- Wellbeing benefits, including access to Rongoā Māori and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services
- The chance to work with a passionate team of kaimahi dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for mokopuna across Aotearoa.
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
- You must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa
- Apply online via NZ Government Jobs (jobs.govt) with an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your motivation and how you meet the role's requirements
- Successful applicants will be asked to complete an employment check form during the interview process.
If you have any pātai, please contact us at hr@manamokopuna.org.nz
Applications close on Sunday 19 January 2025.