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

Employment type
Full Time

Work arrangement
No