- Lead te ao Maori mental health care with mana and matauranga.
- Empower oranga through culturally grounded interventions.
- Uphold Hokai Rangi values in a whanau-focused team.
Kairuruku Hinengaro - Maori Mental Health Practitioner
Hikitia describes a collection of mental health and additions services in the Waikato region across our three prisons: Waikeria, Tongariro and Springhill Corrections Facility. Hikitia has been designed to address the over-representation of prisoners with mental health and addictions issues and is the first of its kind in New Zealand. It will provide multi-treatment mental health and addictions services, within the prison environment.
Nga kawenga | About the role
As a Kairuruku Hinengaro, you will hold a crucial position within our Mental Health team, collaborating closely with the Intervention and Support Practice team. This team is committed to delivering top-tier mental health support and treatment to the most vulnerable individuals under our care.
Your role within this multidisciplinary framework will involve providing culturally sensitive support services aimed at enhancing the mental health and well-being of those in our care.
You will be responsible for the assessment of the holistic oranga needs of our clients, considering their whakapapa, hinengaro, wairua, and overall well-being.
You'll manage caseloads effectively, conduct cultural triage, assessments, and implement evidence-informed treatments in alignment with mana whenua best practices.
Additionally, you'll offer cultural support, guidance, and coordination of Maori initiatives and operations to bolster the well-being of our clients.
He korero mou | About you
You demonstrate a firm dedication to mentoring culturally safe practices and fostering partnerships.
The ability to leverage your expertise in te reo Maori, tikanga, matauranga Maori, and rongoa Maori, you'll enhance the efficacy of services provided to our clients.
You will have insight into the profound impact of colonisation on health and well-being, familiarity with indigenous methodologies and health frameworks, proven track record of effective collaboration within a kaupapa Maori framework.
You will have an understanding of mental health from a holistic perspective, previous experience in addressing acute and complex mental health and/or addiction challenges, familiarity with trauma-informed care principles.
You will have a sound working knowledge of the Mental Health Act, awareness of the National Mental Health Sector Standards.
Qualifications required include a relevant tertiary qualification, with preference given to those who have completed a Level 4 or higher Mental Health or Community Support qualification.
Utu a-tau | Salary
The midpoint of the salary range is $78,000 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $70,956 - $91,307 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.
Ko wai matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply now
Applications Close 11.00 pm, 5th September 2025
Please apply and describe your motivation for joining the department in a cover letter, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Please include a tailored CV if you have one. Alignment to our Kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples that reflect and demonstrate our organisation values.
Ara Poutama Aotearoa values diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce which reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page or email our team at [email protected].
