Kaiārahi Māori - Cultural Lead
We are seeking a passionate and committed Kaiārahi Māori to join our new peer-led service, based in Odyssey’s Community Café in Central Hamilton.
This is a permanent, full-time role, working Tuesday to Saturday from 730am to 4pm. You will help to create a friendly, culturally safe space where tāngata whai ora with mental health and addiction distress can drop in for coffee, connection, and receive support, or be referred to other services for ongoing care as appropriate.
As Kaiārahi Māori, you will play an important role in strengthening the cultural foundations of this new service. Working alongside the Peer Manager, Peer Specialists and Mental Health and Addictions Clinician, you will support the team to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tikanga Māori across service delivery and will coordinate or facilitate activities that are culturally grounded in te ao Māori and responsive to the aspirations, identities and needs of tāngata whai ora and their whānau.
You will also support our kaimahi (staff) to build confidence in their cultural practice so that tāngata whai ora feel respected and supported, and be proactive in building relationships with mana whenua, iwi and other key stakeholders, to help build the profile and mana of this service within the wider community.
As the café is open to the general public, you will also work several rostered shifts per week providing café services to customers under the guidance of a Café Manager.
About you
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Strong relational and communication skills
- At least 3 years’ relevant experience, including experience as a cultural lead role, supporting tāngata whai ora/whānau in wellbeing and recovery Hauora in a community setting
- Confidence with te reo and tikanga Māori, including mihi, kapa haka, marae kawa and protocols
- Experience of facilitating cultural activities or wananga for individuals or groups
- A good understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in a peer and/or mental health/addictions service setting
- Active connection with Waikato/Tainui hapū and/or iwi, including involvement in marae or community based Kaupapa
- Hospitality / barista experience would be useful
Why this role matters
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Māori experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges, and all tāngata whai ora, by bringing cultural knowledge, leadership and support into the everyday work of recovery and wellbeing.
In return we offer:
- Salary $79,976 - $88,337 per annum depending on experience + 22 days annual leave
- The opportunity to use your skills and experience to support positive change for tāngata whai ora and their whānau
- Opportunities for further growth and development within a supportive tem environment
More about us:
Odyssey has supported thousands of New Zealanders whose lives are affected by alcohol, drug or other addiction challenges. We wholeheartedly believe that everyone living in New Zealand should have the opportunity to live life to the fullest, to feel hopeful about their future and to have meaningful relationships with friends and whānau.
To apply, please send us your CV and a cover letter, and complete the additional information questionnaire online. For all enquiries about this role, please contact Tūmanako Sciascia on 021587983.
Closing date: 29 September 2026
Please note that Police and Oranga Tamariki clearance checks are required.
Odyssey is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke free organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We particularly encourage applications from Māori and Pacific peoples.
