Local Area Coordinator - Te Ara Takiwa

Empower Lives, Build Communities!

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of disabled people and tangata whaikaha Māori? We’re looking for a compassionate and proactive Local Area Coordinator to join our team!

About the Role:

As a Local Area Coordinator, you’ll play a vital role in empowering individuals and their whānau to take charge of their own lives. Your mission will be to foster confidence and competence, helping them access resources, create sustainable community connections, and establish natural supports.

This role is a permanent, part-time role offering the successful candidate 30 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with disabled individuals and their families, guiding them to harness their strengths and navigate available resources
• Connect people with vital information, services, and community opportunities to enhance their quality of life
• Collaborate with local groups, organisations, and individuals to ensure coordinated, effective support tailored to each person’s unique needs
• Facilitate the development of meaningful relationships within the community to promote inclusivity and support networks.

What We’re Looking For:

• A genuine commitment to supporting disabled individuals and tangata whaikaha Māori
• Knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori
• Credibility and good reputation with local Māori organisations, hapū and iwi
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to finding solutions
• Experience in community engagement or social services is a plus, but a passion for empowering others is essential!

What’s on offer:

• Supportive and Inclusive environment, we value your opinion!
• Work from home
• Opportunities for professional development
• Employee assistance program available for staff
• Take a day of leave for your Birthday
• Staff discount app for use at a range of retailers.

If you’re ready to take on a rewarding challenge and help others thrive, we want to hear from you!

About Your Way | Kia Roha

Your Way | Kia Roha is an independent not-for-profit organisation working with disabled people and their whānau in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. We have more than 40 years’ experience, and the majority of our staff, all members of our Board and all members of our Disability Leadership Group are disabled people or close family members of disabled people.

Moemoeā | Vision

Disabled people thriving, living the lives they choose in their community.

Kaupapa | Purpose

Enabling innovative community solutions by and with disabled people.

Mātāpono | Values

• Rangatiratanga | Self-leadership: Choice and control over decisions builds on the mana of every individual.
• Manawatoa | Courageous: Innovative, aspirational and bold in our actions.
• Whanaungatanga | Connection: Relationships matter, and we work together with whānau and others.
• Kotahitanga | Inclusion: Everyone is included and respected for who they are.
• Kaitiakitanga | Guardianship: Sustain and respect the mauri, or lifeforce, of those we work with.

Your Way | Kia Roha is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.

We encourage applications from disabled people and people with lived or whānau experience of disability. If you have any support or access requirements, please let us know when you apply so we can support you through the recruitment process.

To apply, please click Apply Now and provide your CV and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please tell us why this role appeals to you and what skills, experience and knowledge you would bring.

Applications close 5pm 22 September 2026.

We will review applications and contact preferred candidates as applications are received, so if this opportunity appeals to you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.