Pasifika Community Whānau Ora Navigator

About us

Join the Niuvaka Trust Team and be an important part of making a real difference for Pasifika communities.  The environment is lively and perfect for somebody who is passionate about advancing Pasifika aspirations! 

Our Vision is for Tagata Pasifika to be Thriving, Connected and Resilient and our Purpose is to support Tagata Pasifika for the Realisation of their Aspirations.  We achieve our vision and purpose through our Mission of Partnering to build Capacity and Capability of Pasifika Communities. Niuvaka Trust is a Pasifika health and social services provider with our office based in Palmerston North and our geographical coverage area across the Tararua and Ruahine regions.

We deliver a range of health, navigation, social services, training and employment, supporting Pacific peoples to navigate equitable access to services and connect them to the appropriate support to achieve better outcomes. 

About the Role

The Pasifika Whānau Ora Community Navigator is a trusted leader who walks alongside whānau to support their wellbeing, aspirations and ability to navigate systems for themselves. You may not have a professional qualification, but preference will be given to those who have a relevant tertiary level qualification in Counselling, Social Worker, Psychology, Community Development, Education, Public Health, Māori or Pacific Studies.

Purpose of the Role:

• The Pasifika Whānau Ora Community Navigator for Region 4 plays a critical role in supporting Pacific whānau and whānau with high needs to achieve wellbeing, self-determination, and their goals for the future.

• The Pasifika Whānau Ora Community Navigator is a trusted leader who walks alongside whānau to support their wellbeing, aspirations, and ability to navigate systems for themselves. They may not hold a professional qualification but instead serve as trusted ‘go-to people’ in their family or community. They are a familiar face, safe presence, and strong advocate for whānau.

• Grounded in Pacific values with an understanding of the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu frameworks, Community Navigators focus on listening, connecting, encouraging, and empowering whānau who may be experiencing challenges or who are seeking to make a positive change to move forward with their goals for the future.

They support whānau with:

o    Developing whānau plans which outline their strengths, goals and aspirations

o    Navigating services and entitlements

o    Building whānau confidence and resilience

o    Connecting to others in the community who can help

o    Advocating where whānau voice needs to be heard

• They help create a strong sense of community to wraparound support for whānau, working in partnership with Provider Navigators and Whānau Ora agencies to ensure safe and coordinated care.

• Community Navigators are future focused. They support whānau to lay strong foundations for the next generation, while also helping them reclaim the strength of their whakapapa, cultural connections, identity, heritage and a sense of belonging.

Requirements of the Role:

• Is committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice

• Holds empathy for Māori, Pacific, and high-deprivation communities

• Brings cultural knowledge, humility, and experience rooted in community

• Completes required safe practice checks and training (police vetting, child protection requirements, safety planning etc.)

• Always maintains confidentiality and respects whānau dignity

• Participates in supervision, training, and community-of-practice sessions

• Confident communicators who listen deeply and speak clearly

• Can use a smart phone, app or digital tools for notetaking, reporting and check-ins

• Knows when to escalate a situation for support to a Provider Navigator or Manager

Role Accountabilities:

Working with Whānau

• Builds trust through regular, respectful engagement with whānau

• Helps whānau to identify their strengths, needs, and establish goals as part of their whānau plan

• Supports whānau to access services, fill out forms, make appointments, or follow up on support

• Provides whānau with emotional and cultural support during stressful and challenging situations

• Connects whānau to other cultural and community, support networks or provider services as required

• Implements agreed risk management and safety plans, and proactively seeks help when needed for whānau

• Is confident to implement health and safety and child protection policies and procedures

Working across systems stakeholders

•  Acts as a bridge between whānau and services

• Shares insights or feedback with Navigators or support agencies to strengthen whānau pathways

• Works to establish trust between whānau and system stakeholders.

Working with the Tātou Collective Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency

• Works with Whānau Ora commissioning agency and its Community and Provider Network to build local relationships with schools, churches, marae, health and social care providers, education and training providers, housing agencies, etc

• Completes required capability building programme

• Participates in community-of-practice wānanga / talanoa

• Completes reporting requirements on time

• Contributes to stories of impact and learning across the region

• Community Navigator role becomes an essential part of the support ecosystem

• Tātou has deeper insights into whānau needs and progression

• Community Navigators grow in confidence and skill over time.

About you

We are looking for someone who has existing strong connections and relationships with Pacific communities and the ability to build effective therapeutic relationships, build rapport and connect quickly with whānau.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have a lived understanding and appreciation of Pacific cultures, values, practices and protocols, and ensure all approaches meet the needs of Pacific families and their care is at the centre of the work you do.

You must have an ability to engage in conversations, be approachable and put people at ease by reassuring them, displaying tact, courtesy and discretion.

• One or more Pacific languages capability would be an advantage and proficient in English

• Ability to connect and collaborate with services, agencies, community providers, primary care services including general practice teams and a commitment to maintaining positive working relationships

• Advocate and ensure the appropriate supports for Pacific communities are in place for them to self-manage

• Passionate about supporting Pasifika families to access effective and culturally appropriate services

• Have strong local and regional networks

• Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to listen and respond appropriately in all situations

• Able to prioritise workload, multi-task, organised with exceptional time management skills

• Problem solver and solution focused

• Moderate level of computer literacy and IT software including Microsoft Office365

• Able to work well under pressure

• Always maintain and role model professional conduct

• A flexible and highly motivated attitude

• Experience working with whānau with high needs and complex needs

• Knowledge and experience using Pacific and Māori models of practice and approaches in health and/or social services

• Adaptable, resourceful, resilient, innovative and practical

• Must have Full clean driver’s licence

Desirable

• Primary or community healthcare experience

• Experience in promoting self-management and support for people and groups

• Experience in Client Management Systems

• Experience of working independently and in a multidisciplinary team

• Motivational interviewing

• Is confident in public speaking

Benefits

• Pasifika focussed organisation

• Flexible work arrangements

• Ongoing training and support in your role

• Be part of a supportive team where work-life balance is encouraged

• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)

• Kiwisaver Employer Contribution

• Warm whānau focussed work environment

• All staff Pure/Lotu (prayer) every morning

If you have a passion for people and the right experience, this is an opportunity to positively influence and help support the best possible outcomes for Pacific peoples, Niuvaka Trust would love to hear from you, apply now!

Email Sharron Smith | EA/Operations Manager: [email protected]

• To request the job application form

• Upload your cover letter and your CV with the completed application form

Applications close Friday 10 April 2026 at 12pm.

Interviews will be scheduled for the following week.