Senior Advisor Practice Enabler
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children · 5001+ employees
What the role involves
- Providing Māori cultural advice
- Aligning system design
- Developing practice guidance
What they ask for
Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi; experience providing cultural advice in complex environments; experience with Māori communities, hapū, iwi or kaupapa Māori services; current practice or service delivery experience in a related sector; experience contributing to projects, service design, systems development or organisational improvement
About the job
Fixed term/Secondment opportunity to 30 June 2027 for an experienced practitioner with strong expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and culturally responsive practice to join our Practice Enablers team.
Location flexible around the motu.
Mō mātou | About us
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:
- We put Tamariki first
- We believe Aroha is vital
- We respect the Mana of people
- We are Tika and Pono
- We value Whakapapa
- We recognise that Oranga is a journey
We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.
Mō te tūnga | About the role
We're looking for an experienced practitioner who brings significant expertise in te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within Oranga Tamariki's Practice Approach to join our Practice Enablers team and help shape the future of frontline practice at Oranga Tamariki on secondment or a fixed term basis.
The Practice Enablers team plays a key role in transforming frontline systems and technology to support quality practice improvements across Oranga Tamariki. A key focus of this role is contributing specialist expertise to frontline technology initiatives that enable better outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
You'll work alongside operational leaders, practice specialists, technology teams and programme partners to ensure the voices, aspirations and needs of tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, hapū and iwi, and reflect Te Ao Māori perspectives and are embedded in system design and service delivery improvements.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing expert Māori cultural and practice advice to major frontline technology and practice improvement initiatives within Oranga Tamariki's Practice Approach
- Ensuring system design and practice guidance align with Māori cultural frameworks and support mana-enhancing practice
- Championing the integration of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori within organisational projects and programmes
- Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Māori partners where appropriate
- Supporting the development of tools, frameworks, standards and guidance that improve practice outcomes
- Analysing emerging issues, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing high-quality advice and reporting
- Mentoring colleagues and contributing to a culture of learning and continuous improvement
Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring
Key requirements of the role include:
- Strong knowledge of te ao Māori, tikanga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their practical application within the Practice Approach
- Demonstrated experience providing cultural advice and guidance in complex environments
- Experience working alongside Māori communities, hapū, iwi and/or kaupapa Māori services
- Current practice, operational or service delivery experience within social services, child wellbeing, youth justice, health, education or a related sector
- The ability to influence and build credibility with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing
- Experience contributing to projects, service design, systems development or organisational improvement initiatives
- A commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau Māori
Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Oranga Tamariki offer s a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure . Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,426 and $117 ,782 pro rated dependent on experience .
We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi .
To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.
If you have any questions about role, please contact
Applications for this role close just before midnight on 10 November 2026
We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.
Applying for this job
What to show on your CV
- For the work it describes, like "Providing Māori cultural advice", give an example from your own experience, with a result you can talk about at an interview.
Our guides to the New Zealand CV format, cover letters and interview questions cover the rest.