Community Karitane / Kaiawhina

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is looking for a passionate and community focused Kaiāwhina or Community Karitāneto join our teams across the Waikato. This is a permanent opportunity, ideally working full time; however, we are open to discussing part-time hours with the right person.

Te Whiwhingamahi | The opportunity

In this rewarding role, you will work alongside our clinical team to support pēpi, tamariki and whānau within their homes and communities.

You will build trusted relationships, provide practical support and health education, and help whānau connect with services and resources that support their aspirations. Working under the direction of our Registered Nurses and Clinical Leader, you will contribute to positive, equitable health outcomes for tamariki and their whānau.

As a Kaiāwhina or Community Karitāne, you will:

• Build meaningful and respectful relationships with whānau and communities. 
  

• Provide accessible health education and parenting support based on the needs and aspirations of whānau. 
  

• Support whānau to navigate and connect with relevant community and health services. 
  

• Advocate alongside whānau and support them to make informed decisions. 
  

• Work collaboratively with our nurses, community teams and external agencies. 
  

• Facilitate individual or group learning opportunities, health promotion activities and wānanga. 
  

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to the planning and coordination of whānau care. 
  

• Help strengthen our connections with local communities, providers, iwi and hapū. 

   

The Kaiawhina role has a particular focus on connecting our clinical services with the cultural realities of whānau Māori. You will draw on your knowledge of Te Ao Māori and local communities to support culturally relevant service delivery and improve outcomes for whānau Māori.

He kōrero mōu| About you

You will be someone who genuinely cares about the wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and whānau. You build trust naturally, listen without judgement and can adapt your approach to meet the needs of different people and communities.

You will also bring:

• Strong relationship-building, communication and advocacy skills. 
  

• Confidence using technology and facilitating group work.
  

• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider clinical team. 
  

• Confidence connecting whānau with community services and support. 
  

• A commitment to culturally safe practice and equitable health outcomes. 
  

• An understanding of, and commitment to, TeTiriti o Waitangi. 
  

• A full New Zealand driver licence and reliable transport

For appointment as a Community Karitāne, you will hold or be willing to complete a recognised New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing

For appointment as a Kaiāwhina, you will you will hold or be willing to complete a recognised New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing. Ideally, you will have experience working alongside whānau Māori, iwi, hapū, Māori organisations or kaupapa Māori initiatives, and be comfortable navigating Te Ao Māori.

Ngāhua mahi o Te Whānau Āwhina| What we offer

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is the largest service in Aotearoa supporting the health and wellbeing of tamariki under five and their whānau. Our people are at the heart of what we do.

When you join us, you will receive:

• A supportive and collaborative team environment. 
  

• Ongoing learning, development, mentoring and supervision. 
  

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference for whānau in your community. 
  

• Flexible discussions around fulltime or parttime working arrangements. 
  

• A role within an organisation committed to pro-equity, cultural safety and giving effect to TeTiriti o Waitangi. 
  

Our values of Māia, Tūhono, Manaaki and Māhaki guide how we work together and how we support the whānau and communities we serve.

Me pēheatetukutono | How to apply

If you are passionate about supporting pēpi, tamariki and whānau and would like to contribute to healthier, more connected communities, we would love to hear from you.

For further information contact Clinical Leaders cheryl.phillips@plunket.org.nzor Racheal.Fata@plunket.org.nz.

Applications close on 29th September 2026.

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of pēpi, tamariki and theirwhānau/family. We have committed to adopting a pro-equity approach where we give life to the Treaty principles of tino rangatiratanga, partnership, active protection, equity and options in our mahi/work to ensure healthy tamariki, confident whānau and connected communities. This journey is creating exciting career opportunities - If you would like to contribute to the important mahi we do, naumai, haeremai.

Apply now

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