Engagement Lead

Role can based in either Te Tai Tokerau , Auckland or Wellington Help drive the success in our partnerships between Oranga Tamariki, iwi, hapū, whānau and kaupapa Māori organisations Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki andrangatahiat the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim todemonstratethese 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 findappropriate solutionsfor tamariki in need. This role sits within the Māori Partnerships and Communities group and is central to advancing our commitment to work with, and be led by, iwi and Māori to improve outcomes for tamariki and whānau. The vision of this work is to support the return of tamariki Māori in State Care to whānau, hapū and iwi, grounded in whakapapa, whenua and whanaungatanga, while helping prevent tamariki Māori from entering State Care. Mōtetūnga| About the role As an Engagement Lead, you will play a key role in building and sustaining trusted partnerships between Oranga Tamariki, iwi, hapū, whānau andkaupapaMāori organisations. You will support the design, implementation and delivery of innovative, whānau-centred services that contribute to better outcomes for tamariki and whānau. Working across regions and with a diverse range of stakeholders, you will: Develop andmaintainstrong, effective relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau andkaupapaMāori organisations. Navigate complex stakeholder environments andprovidetrusted advice that supports shared aspirations and outcomes. Lead and coordinate co-design initiatives from planning and commissioning through to implementation and ongoing growth. Support the successful delivery of partnership plans, ensuring milestones, reporting,communicationsand timelines are achieved. Drive collaboration and innovation between Oranga Tamariki and Māori partners to transform care and community-based services. Support change management activities that embed newly designed services and ways of working. Identifystrategic opportunities, risks and emerging issues and provide advice to inform organisational decision-making. Champion Mana Tamaiti principles and contribute to strengthening culturally responsive practice across the organisation. This is a highly relationship-focused role requiring someone who canoperateconfidently in both Te Ao Māori and government environments while balancing strategic thinking with delivery excellence. We'relooking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for tamariki Māori and who brings a genuine commitment to partnering with iwi and Māori communities. To be successful in this role,you'llbring: Demonstrated experience building andmaintaininginfluential relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, community organisations and diverse stakeholders. Confidence engaging in environments wheremātaurangaMāori and tereoMāori are present. Experience leading complex projects, programmes or initiatives, including planning, implementation,reportingand risk management. Proven ability tofacilitatecollaboration, co-designand change initiatives across multiple stakeholder groups. Strong communicationand influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and navigate complexity. Knowledge of social service delivery, community-led approaches and contemporary issues affecting tamariki,rangatahiand whānau. Experience working within the public, social services, health,educationor community sectors. An understanding of government systems, policyenvironmentsand partnership-based ways of working. A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience. Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you Oranga Tamarikioffera step-basedremunerationpackage that provides annual progression through tenure and experience. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $125,926 and $139,459 depending on experience. We offer: Flexible working arrangements A supportive and values-driven team environment Ongoing learning and development opportunities A genuine commitment to wellbeing The opportunity to help shape meaningful change for tamariki, whānau, hapū and iwi across Aotearoa We welcome diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone can thrive. This is an opportunity to contribute to transformational change and help achieve lasting outcomes for tamariki andrangatahi. If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for allkaimahiand requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol. Applications close at midnight onSunday 16 August. Posted on 31 Jul 2026 Closes on 16 Aug 2026 23:55 Location(s) Te Tai Tokerau Region, Kaitaia, North Shore, Wellington, Auckland, Kaikohe, West Auckland, Lower Hutt, Whangarei, Central Auckland, Upper Hutt, Dargaville, South Auckland, Porirua, Paraparaumu, Wellington Expertise Brand Management, Analysts, Management, Digital Marketing, Management, Event Management, Management & Change Consulting, Internal Communications, Ministerials/OIA Advisors, Management, Other, Other, Planning and Regulation, Public Relations & Corporate Affairs, Policy, Sponsorship, Project Management, Strategy and Planning, Marketing & Communications, Policy, Consulting & Strategy #J-18808-Ljbffr