National Playgroup Advisor

He huanuiorangamōngā mokopuna whakatipuranga roto ingāhaporihekeiho, hekeiho

Setting the path of wellness in our communities for the early years, for generations to come.

TeWhiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

Whānau Āwhina Plunket is looking for an experienced and values-driven National Playgroup Advisor to provide national leadership and stewardship for playgroups across Aotearoa.

In this influential advisory role, you’ll shape and strengthen our national playgroup system, designing and maintaining frameworks, standards, and guidance that ensure Plunket playgroups are safe, high-quality, consistent and sustainable, while still allowing flexibility to respond to local whānau and community needs.

A key focus of the role is leading a national programme of work to support Ministry of Education (MoE) certification of all Plunket playgroups. You’ll provide oversight, assurance and expert guidance, working closely with Community Services Managers and national stakeholders while regions retain delivery responsibility.

This is a national advisory role that leads through influence, collaboration and systems thinking — not through direct service delivery.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You bring a strong commitment to the wellbeing of tamariki, whānau and communities, with a genuine belief in equitable, whānau-centred services.

You are comfortable working at a system level, balancing national consistency with local flexibility, and supporting others through guidance rather than authority. You thrive in complex environments and take a thoughtful, staged approach to change, quality improvement and risk management.

You bring cultural humility and competence to your mahi, with a clear commitment to upholding TeTiriti o Waitangi and embedding Te Ao Māori into service design, advice and practice. You build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders and communicate clearly, calmly and respectfully.

Ngāpūkenga me tōhunga Motuhake | Skills and qualifications

We’re keen to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in early childhood, community services, education or social services
  

• At least three years’ experience in an advisory, system design, service development or quality/assurance role
  

• Experience providing national or organisation-wide leadership for a service model, programme or framework operating across multiple regions
  

• A strong understanding of playgroups or early-years community-based services
  

• Experience working with Māori and diverse communities
  

• Proven ability to oversee national programmes of work, including staged rollout, readiness, risk and dependency management
  

• Strong systems thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to use data and insight to drive improvement

   

Ngāhua mahi o Te Whānau Āwhina | What we offer

At Whānau Āwhina Plunket, we offer more than just a job, we offer the opportunity to contribute to a kaupapa that makes a real difference for whānau across Aotearoa.

You’ll benefit from:

• The chance to make a national impact for tamariki and whānau
  

• A values-led organisation grounded in equity, evidence and best practice
  

• Supportive, collaborative and purpose-driven colleagues
  

• Professional development and learning opportunities
  

• Flexible working options where possible
  

• Access to various wellbeing schemes including use of fitness passport and Wellbeing days – use your sick leave to proactively look after your wellbeing.

   

Me pēheatetukutono| How to apply

Applications must be made online and close 6th May 2026. For specific questions about the mahi, please reach out to hr@plunket.org.nz

Please note, we will process applications as they are received. If we find a successful candidate, we reserve the right to close this advert early.

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