Programme Lead - Puawai Mokopuna Fixed Term-1FTE

Arowhenua Whanau Services is seeking an experienced and visionary Programme Lead to establish and lead Puawai Mokopuna | Growing Healthy Mokopuna, a new kaupapa Maori maternal and early-years initiative supporting hapu mama, pepi, mokopuna and whanau across the Aoraki region.

Puawai Mokopuna has been developed to strengthen the wellbeing of hapu mama, pepi and whanau by creating a connected kaupapa Maori pathway from pregnancy through the first 2,000 days. The initiative brings together whanau navigation, clinical partnerships, outreach, Hapu Wananga and coordinated support so whanau experience a connected journey rather than a fragmented system.

This is a unique opportunity to establish a significant new programme and help shape a lasting legacy for future generations of mokopuna across the region.
________________________________________
About the Role
The Programme Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership for Puawai Mokopuna, ensuring successful implementation, delivery, partnership development, quality improvement, evaluation and contract performance.
You will:
• Lead the establishment and implementation of the programme.
• Build relationships with hapu, iwi, Health New Zealand, Lead Maternity Carers, Tamariki Ora providers, primary care and community partners.
• Develop and strengthen referral pathways.
• Support and lead a kaupapa Maori workforce.
• Oversee reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure programme delivery reflects kaupapa Maori principles and Whanau Ora outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for sustainability, growth and future investment.
________________________________________
What Matters Most
We are looking for a leader who understands that thriving mokopuna begin with thriving whanau.
Success in this role requires someone who:
• Understands kaupapa Maori approaches to whanau wellbeing.
• Values whanau rangatiratanga and strengths-based practice.
• Can build trusted partnerships across health, social and community sectors.
• Leads with integrity, manaakitanga and professionalism.
• Is able to turn a vision into practical delivery.
• Understands both systems leadership and grassroots community engagement.
• Can confidently navigate complexity while maintaining a clear focus on outcomes for whanau.
________________________________________
Who We're Looking For
You will ideally bring:
• Significant leadership experience within Whanau Ora, Maori health, maternal and child health, social services, community development or related sectors.
• Experience establishing or leading programmes, services or initiatives.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement capability.
• Experience working across multiple agencies and disciplines.
• Experience managing contracts, reporting and programme performance.
• Understanding of Te Ao Maori, tikanga and kaupapa Maori approaches.
• Experience leading quality improvement, service development or innovation initiatives.
• Confidence using systems, data and reporting platforms to support continuous improvement.
________________________________________
Location
This role supports delivery across the wider Aoraki region, including Timaru, Hakatere (Ashburton), Waimate, Mackenzie District and surrounding communities.
Applications are welcomed from candidates living anywhere within the region. Regular travel will be required.
________________________________________
Why Join Arowhenua Whanau Services?
This is a rare opportunity to establish a new kaupapa Maori maternal and early-years initiative from the ground up.
You will help build an enduring regional pathway that supports hapu mama, strengthens parenting confidence, improves early access to support, and contributes to better outcomes for mokopuna and future generations.
________________________________________
Interested?
For a confidential discussion about the role or to request a Position Description, please contact:
Shantel Barrett
Senior Manager Operations & Workforce
shantel@aws.health.nz
________________________________________
Applications
Please submit:
• A current CV.
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and what you would bring to the kaupapa.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We encourage interested applicants to apply early as interviews may commence prior to the closing date. Full vetting process applies, Police, Ministry of Justice and Oranga Tamariki.

Apply now: Applications Close 11 November 2026