Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role

Te Whare Awhina is a community-based home in Gisborne providing 24/7 professional care for mokopuna placed by Oranga Tamariki. Our mission is to deliver safe, nurturing, and mana-enhancing care that supports tamariki and rangatahi to thrive, while upholding Ngāti Porou values and tikanga.

We are now looking for a Team Leader to join our Whānau Oranga team, leading a dedicated group of kaimahi to deliver high-quality care and positive outcomes for our young people.

As Team Leader, you will manage the daily operations of Te Whare Awhina — ensuring safety, quality care, cultural integrity, and adherence to national care standards. You’ll provide leadership, coaching, and support to staff, oversee rostering and resources, and work closely with whānau, Oranga Tamariki, schools, and community partners to ensure the best possible outcomes for the mokopuna in our care.

This is a Fixed Term - Full-Time role based in Gisborne, with flexibility to work across a 24/7 roster and be on-call as required.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako – Essential Skills & Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven leadership experience, ideally in residential or care settings for tamariki/rangatahi.
• Strong knowledge of tikanga Māori and commitment to kaupapa Māori approaches.
• Ability to manage day-to-day operations, including clinical, administrative, and HR requirements.
• Experience in behaviour management, crisis response, and supporting young people with complex needs.
• Excellent relationship management skills with whānau, community, and external agencies.
• Confident decision-making and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations.
• Commitment to national care standards, health and safety, and risk management.
• Full, clean NZ driver licence.
• Relevant qualification in social services, youth work, or related field (desirable).

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads by example, is approachable, and inspires trust and confidence.
• Can motivate and empower kaimahi while holding them accountable to high standards.
• Demonstrates cultural competence and can work effectively in a Ngāti Porou context.
• Is resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
• Has excellent communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Maintains professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality at all times.

Operating Competencies:

• Experience in budget management and resource allocation.
• Skilled in planning, prioritising, and managing competing demands.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and child-focused care.
• Able to build and maintain positive community relationships.

If you are passionate about leading a team that makes a real difference in the lives of tamariki and rangatahi — and you share our values of manaaki, tika/pono, aroha, and pakari — we want to hear from you.

Te painga o te mahi tahi me mātou - What we offer:

We are committed to developing and providing opportunities for further professional growth for our kaimahi. We also offer a range of benefits including:

• EAP & Wellbeing Services.
• A supportive, friendly environment, where people love coming to work.
• Awesome opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Working from a Te Ao Maori Lens, Values, Tikanga, Te Reo Maori.

Me pēhea e tono - How to Apply:

To apply, please submit a current Cover Letter and CV with your application, describing your motivation for joining Ngati Porou Oranga reflecting relevant skills and experience.

Applicants must be eligible to work in Aotearoa, New Zealand.  The preferred and/or successful applicants will be willing to undergo our pre-employment screening which can include Police Vetting, Child Checks, OT Vetting, Criminal Record Checks, Medical Checks, ID checks and Pre-Employment Drug & Alcohol testing.  

COVID-19 Vaccination requirement:  Vaccination is essential for kaimahi as per our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  New employees will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status prior to commencing employment or in alternative, complete a risk assessment as a part of the recruitment process and/or any other reasonable measurements.  

60 Day Trial Periods:  In-line with NZ employment legislation, employment terms include up to, but not longer than, 60 day trial periods, further information is available upon request.

To request further information please email: careers@tronp.org.nz  

Applications close:  5pm Monday 23rd February 2026.

Please note - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, we will be interviewing as we receive applications and at our discretion, the advertising period may vary.

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