Youth Connector Lead – Physical Activity

Have you coached, mentored, or supported young people through sport or recreation? Bring your passion and make a direct impact in young people's lives while helping create lasting change for tamariki and rangatahi across Hawke's Bay. Location: Hawke's Bay (Napier/Hastings) Position: Fixed-term, Full-time (2 years) This is an exciting opportunity to support tamariki and rangatahi through the power of sport and physical activity. As the Youth Connector Lead - Physical Activity, you'll build trusted relationships, work alongside young people, and connect them to opportunities that build confidence, wellbeing, and belonging. We're looking for someone with experience working directly with children and young people in youth development, coaching, recreation, community services, or similar settings. Mō mātou | About us Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these 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 partnering with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need. Mō te tūnga | About the role This newly established role strengthens connections between Oranga Tamariki, NZ Police, Sport Hawke's Bay, and community providers to create positive outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. This is a highly relationship-focused role where you'll work directly with tamariki and rangatahi, helping identify suitable sport and recreation opportunities and supporting them to participate. You'll collaborate closely with social workers, caregivers, community providers, and sporting organisations to ensure tamariki and rangatahi can access activities that meet their needs and interests. The role may involve supporting, coaching, transporting, and engaging directly with young people participating in programmes and activities. This role is based in Hawke's Bay. Candidates must be based in, or willing to relocate to, Napier or Hastings. Regular regional travel is required. Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring Key requirements of the role include: * Strong understanding of the Care and Protection (C&P) and Youth Justice (YJ) systems, with the ability to identify priority cohorts and connect tamariki and rangatahi to suitable physical activity opportunities * Experience working directly with children and young people in sport, recreation, youth development, education, community, or social service settings * Experience coaching, facilitating, coordinating, or delivering programmes for children and young people * Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills * Confidence working collaboratively with community organisations, service providers, and government agencies * Strong communication and interpersonal skills * Ability to motivate, engage, and build positive relationships with tamariki and rangatahi * A practical and proactive approach to problem solving * Experience supporting children or young people with diverse and complex needs A Full New Zealand Driver's Licence (essential). Applicants must hold a full licence at the time of application, as transporting tamariki and rangatahi may form part of this role * Willingness to work flexibly to meet programme and participant needs * Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices, particularly knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific peoples' culture Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that provides annual progression through tenure and experience. Annual remuneration for this position will be discussed with shortlisted candidates. Join a supportive team, enjoy flexible work options, and help shape a new initiative while making a meaningful difference for tamariki and rangatahi. We offer ongoing training, professional development, and an inclusive working environment. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit: https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/ Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about the role, please contact [email protected]. Applications for this role close at midnight on Thursday, 22 October 2026. We may begin reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are encouraged. If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.