Kaiwhakamarie/Counsellor (Start ASAP)

Overview

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, rau rangatira mā, tēna koutou, tēnā koutou, tēna koutou katoa

Mō mātou - About us

Our Tangata come first

We are guided by Tika, Pono and Aroha

We respect the Mauri, Mana and Tapu of everyone

Our Tohu o Āwhina symbolizes the harakeke, representing the strength and interconnectedness of whānau. Te Pā Harakeke o Āwhina embodies the importance of strong roots and a stable base for nurturing future generations, supporting resilience, connection, and the preservation of cultural identity.

We are seeking expressions of interest for a Kaiwhakamārie/Counsellor to join our supportive team. We have flexible opportunities available and are open to discussing options that suit both you and our organisation. This may include a full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) position.

If you're a qualified, registered or provisionally registered professional who aligns with our Kaupapa and is passionate about supporting tāngata whai ora and whānau, we would love to hear from you.

The Kaiwhakamārie Role

The Kaiwhakamārie (Counsellor) works directly with tāngata whai ora/clients and their whānau, delivering services that support and uplift the self-determination of our whānau, hapū and iwi. This role provides counselling and therapeutic support to tāngata whai ora and their whānau, assisting with a range of challenges including anxiety, depression, coping strategies, self-esteem, domestic, family harm, sexual harm and other personal difficulties.

What You'll Bring

To be successful in this role, you will be a qualified professional, ideally with an understanding of trauma-informed practice and a commitment to te ao Māori values.

We're seeking someone who:

• Aligns with Āwhina's Kaupapa and values
• Works collaboratively in a positive, culturally grounded team environment
• Applies Kaupapa Māori approaches and tools in their counselling practice

Key skills and experience:

• A qualified and registered (or provisionally registered) Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist or similar
• Relevant recent or previous experience in a therapeutic or counselling role
• Experience developing safety plans
• Skilled in writing reports and case-notes
• Training or experience in Trauma Informed Response
• Understanding of Mātauranga Māori practices, processes and Kaupapa Māori frameworks
• Strong empathy and a genuine commitment to empowering tāngata whai ora and their whānau
• Effective time and caseload management skills
• Full NZ driver's license
• To be considered for this position, applicants must be residing in New Zealand and hold either New Zealand citizenship, residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.

You'll also bring excellent communication and relationship-building skills, enthusiasm and the ability to engage effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is essential, with a willingness to strengthen your understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori within a bicultural environment.

This role may suit someone who is:

• A qualified, registered counsellor/professional who is keen to engage in workforce development opportunities to build capacity for this role
• A newly graduated, provisionally registered practitioner
• Considering relocating for a rewarding opportunity and lifestyle in beautiful Hawke's Bay

We welcome a kōrero to explore options that support both your career aspirations alongside meeting the needs of our community

Nōu te rourou - What's in it for you

We offer a supportive, values-driven environment, encouraging professional growth and cultural enrichment. Our attractive employee package includes:

• Competitive salary
• Birthday leave
• Flexible working options
• Comprehensive insurance coverage (critical illness, life, terminal illness)
• Access to digital will and financial footprint services
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Clinical and Cultural supervision
• Ongoing workforce development and training opportunities

How to apply

A copy of the Job Description can be found under the careers link on our website.

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV and at least two work related referees by 5pm Monday 9th February 2026.

Nāu te rourou
Nāku te rourou
Ka ora ai te iwi