Job Vacancies

Kaiārahi Māori - Taiao ā Hapori  

(Māori Community Environmental Coordinator) 

 
Location: Henderson, Hikurangi West Auckland 
Position Type: Part-time (0.6 FTE) 
Reports to: Chief Executive 

Community Waitākere has a vision of a Hikurangi West Auckland where all communities flourish. We focus on building flourishing environments - one person, one neighbourhood and one community at a time. We do this through capacity and capability building, community and neighbourhood development, providing support services, sector leadership and advocating for and demonstrating the value of the community sector. Our focus areas are social and community development, local environmental projects, and climate action.     

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Kaiārahi Māori - Taiao ā Hapori  (Māori Community Environmental Coordinator) to support our communities, particularly Māori, in delivering and growing environmental activities that build community capacity and capability from a Māori indigenous perspective. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Deliver and grow environmental activities, including the ecological application of te ao Māori. 

  • Support and expand Community Waitākere's environmental programmes, aligning with te ao Māori principles, including taiao/rākau rehabilitation and species kaitiakitanga/protection. 

  • Build capacity and capability of local community groups, including Māori, in applying indigenous practices and drawing on mātauranga Māori. 

  • Develop and maintain functional relationships with mana whenua, tāngata whenua, Māori organisations, Māori communities, marae, kura, and iwi. 

  • Support whānau Māori with environmental activities and climate change wānanga. 

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of kaupapa Māori initiatives and projects. 

Examples of Our Environmental Work Programmes: 

  • Species Protection and Education: Supporting conservation and protection of the critically endangered and declining species (such as pekapeka, īnanga and rākau) across Hikurangi and urban ngahere; through working with community, supporting an introduced-predator-free status and expanding citizen science opportunities. 

  • Climate Change and Flood Resilience Projects: Engaging at a community level to strengthen knowledge of local taiao, and climate science, to improve biodiversity, sustainability outcomes and progress towards flood resilience. 

  • Kaitiakitanga and Restoration: Physical taiao/rākau rehabilitation and species kaitiakitanga/protection of local areas, with a focus on kura kaupapa and iwi whenua.  

Qualifications and Experience: 

  • Tertiary qualification (post-graduate preferred) in a relevant discipline. 

  • Confident in te ao Māori and te reo Māori. 

  • Experience in Māori community development and community-based environmental programmes. 

  • Strong relationship-building, project management, and communication skills. 

  • Ability to work collaboratively and maintain respectful professional relationships.  

Personal Qualities: 

  • Professional approach and integrity. 

  • Passionate about building a flourishing Hikurangi West Auckland. 

  • Innovative and open to new ideas. 

  • Cultural sensitivity and sound judgment. 

Our Values: 

  • Be courageous and creative for community good. 

  • Listen first to understand, then act. 

  • Value and develop our diverse team. 

  • Develop authentic relationships. 

  • Be outcome and impact-driven. 

  • Care, connect, and collaborate. 

How to Apply: If you are passionate about making a difference in the community and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. View the Job Description here

Please send your CV and a cover letter to operations@communitywaitākere.org.nz by 5pm, 13 March 2025.

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Chris Burton, Community Environmental Strategic Advisor, chris@communitywaitākere.org.nz