Kaitakawaenga | Maori Liaison

Ko wai te Pakihi nei | About the OrganisationIDEA Services is New Zealand's largest provider of support for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

They help adults live independently, build confidence, and thrive as valued members of their communities, guided by IHC's vision for tangata whaikaha Maori and their whanau to live well, stay connected to culture, and be fully included in society.

Ko te ahua o te turanga | About the RoleYour role as Kaitakawaenga / Maori Liaison will be to lead and strengthen Maori cultural capability across Te Waipounamu and Aotearoa.

This pivotal role supports tangata whaikaha Maori to reconnect with whanau, hapu and iwi, builds on staff confidence, and guides leaders to embed tikanga, kawa and te reo Maori while driving the implementation of Te Rautaki Urupare Maori.

Provide cultural leadership and support across the organisation

Deliver training and coaching to increase cultural competence

Strengthen whanaungatanga through genuine engagement with Maori communities

Advocate for the needs of tangata whaikaha Maori and their whanau

Shape how Te Tiriti o Waitangi is honoured across their service delivery

Support kapa haka and cultural initiatives that foster connection and identity

Ko wai koe | About YouYou will be someone who naturally brings people together, can confidently guide others in te ao Maori, and has a passion for strengthening whanaungatanga.

With your cultural knowledge, leadership, and ability to influence at all levels, you will be comfortable moving between communities, whanau, and organisational leadership.

Confident and competent in te reo Maori, tikanga, kawa, with a solid understanding of relevant legislation

Proven ability to influence leaders and coach staff to build cultural capability

Exceptional relationship-building skills across whanau, hapu, iwi and Maori communities

Skilled in planning, problem solving and delivering successful outcomes

Experience designing and delivering training to grow cultural capability

A tertiary qualification or equivalent Maori leadership experience (desirable)

Flexibility to travel extensively across Te Waipounamu and Aotearoa

If you're passionate about supporting tangata whaikaha Maori and strengthening cultural capability within a respected national organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close Monday 27 October

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and suitable candidates may be contacted before the closing date.

Me tono mai inaianei | Apply Now!

To find out more, please get in touch with Orissa Plimmer on

• for a confidential korero.

To apply for this vacancy, you MUST be a New Zealand citizen, resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa.

At the appropriate stage we will request your references; we ask that you do not include them on your CV when applying.

We are the landing place where our people can come to rest upon, a safe space.

Aplacewhereexcellenceandcultureareencouraged andultimately,recognised.Kia tau ai te mauri tu, te mauri ora ki te katoa.Nau mai, tau mai!

Vitality and well-being for all.Welcome, settle here!

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