Disability Support Team Lead | Kaitaataki | Whangārei

Te Roopu Taurima is the largest kaupapa Māori disability support provider supporting tāngata (people we serve) of all ethnicities with intellectual and physical impairments. Guided by tikanga Māori, we uphold the mana and unique identity of every individual we support, creating culturally safe, inclusive, and empowering environments for tāngata to live their best lives.

We are looking for a Kaitaataki (Team Leader) to lead and support a team of Kaiāwhina within one of our whare (residential homes), ensuring high-quality, culturally grounded support that enables tāngata to live with dignity, independence, and connection, while upholding tikanga Māori in every aspect of whare life.

Location: Whare Hoteo, Tikipunga, Whangārei

Hours of work: Full-Time, 40 hours, Monday to Friday 7.00am-3.30pm

Pay rate: Based on completed recognised Care and Support Worker qualifications

Note: Visa sponsorship or Work visa support is not available for this position.

About the role

As a Kaitaataki, you will lead and manage a team of Kaiāwhina (Support Workers), overseeing day-to-day operations within one of our whare (homes). You will ensure high-quality, culturally grounded support is delivered to tāngata, empowering them to live with dignity, independence, and a strong sense of connection.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will support, guide, and develop kaimahi in their daily responsibilities, while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment. The role is well suited to someone who brings out the best in others and is open to learning and working within a kaupapa Māori environment.

Duties include

Ensuring tikanga Māori values are upheld in every aspect of whare life

Leading a team to deliver safe, respectful, tāngata-centred support, including disability support health care coordination

Coaching, developing, and supporting Kaiāwhina in their roles

Overseeing daily operations including kaimahi, health & safety, rosters, whare and vehicle maintenance

Supporting the development and implementation of tāngata support plans, goals, routines, and enabling tāngata aspirations

Building strong relationships and maintaining open, effective communication with tāngata, whānau, health professionals, and community partners

Ensuring whānau are welcomed, engaged, and provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in and contribute to the lives, goals, and wellbeing of tāngata supported within the whare

Ensuring compliance with medication management which aligns with legislation, standards and organisational policy, procedures, and best practice

Skills and experience

Proven experience leading, coaching, and developing a team

Experience working in disability support, mental health, health, aged care, or a related support environment

Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with others

Experience coordinating rosters and supporting the day-to-day running of a service

Good problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions

Willingness to learn about kaupapa Māori values and practices

Full NZ driver’s licence and access to reliable transport

NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) or equivalent

What we offer

Five weeks annual leave

Work phone

Supportive team culture with ongoing professional development

Staff discounts across 50+ well-known NZ brands via our benefits app

Life and trauma insurance cover

Wellbeing support through EAP, including counselling, health coaching, financial and legal guidance, and Rongoā Māori services

At Te Roopu Taurima, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace grounded in te ao Māori and tikanga Māori. We support all kaimahi to feel valued, respected, and empowered in their roles. Our workplace promotes fair employment practices, encourages ongoing professional development, and prioritises a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

We welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, recognising the unique strengths and perspectives each person brings to our kaupapa.

Rangatiratanga mō tātou kātoa i runga i ngā tikanga o tēnā o tēnā o tēnā

Ensuring empowerment and self-determination regardless of disability, age, gender, race, or status