Kaihāpai Pouako Rangatahi
YouthLaw Aotearoa
YouthLaw Aotearoa strives for a fair and just Aotearoa where the rights of tamariki and rangatahi are respected and their voices are heard. Recognised as an innovative specialist in children’s rights, we are implementing an entirely new approach to our national legal service.
The new approach is underpinned by a Kaupapa Māori framework (Korowai Tūakiri) that supports culturally responsive legal services to Māori.
The approach is also designed to:
- Get resources to rangatahi Māori and those who support them
- Build capability and resilience
- Support communities to advocate for systemic change
About us:
YouthLaw Aotearoa is the only legal service in Aotearoa exclusively for tamariki and rangatahi. We provide youth centred information, advice, training and support to empower children and young people under 25, their whanau, and those working with them.
15 Community Law Centres across Aotearoa are continuing to build kaupapa Māori legal services. The initiative is supported by our national body, including 3FTEs in senior support roles to ensure the kaupapa is sustainable and a real success. We are also connected to a large network of colleagues and communities, including Ngā Kaiāwhina Hāpori Māori o te Ture (our thriving, national, Tangata Whenua caucus).
We are a national service based in Manukau. Our team of 10 work with a clear sense of direction and purpose. We are supported by an empowering board and dedicated team of volunteers. We have a strong reputation amongst stakeholders, with a clear willingness to innovate (for example, see our recently launched civics project – www.waha.org.nz).
About the role:
This is a unique opportunity to help build capability in youth workers and other professionals who support rangatahi Māori. Our new model aims to help them identify and resolve legal issues which impact rangatahi Māori. This includes knowing when and how to escalate issues to the YouthLaw legal team.
The main functions of the role are to:
- Develop and deliver advocacy and legal education programmes for iwi, hapū, and community organisations who work closely with rangatahi Māori
- Support the wrap around services of partner organisations through legal information, training, and connection to the YouthLaw legal service
- Help strengthen YouthLaw Aotearoa’s cultural capability by supporting the implementation of Korowai Tuakiri within the organisation
Skills and experience:
The successful applicant will have:
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to apply its principles in practice.
- Experience working with rangatahi Māori, youth development or adult education experience
- Cultural competence and confidence in engaging with Māori communities
- Understanding of te reo me ōna tikanga Māori
- Strong commitment to social justice and supporting others to thrive
A key part of this role is working with the adults who support rangatahi Māori. Experience in youth work or similar advocacy is desirable. Legal experience is not essential.
Further information:
We are a whanau friendly workplace. Part-time and flexible hours are available for parents and caregivers.
This role will involve community engagement and occasional travel outside of Tamaki Makarau. A drivers licence is required.
How to apply:
To apply please forward a covering letter and CV. Applications close on 12 June 2026.
You can download this Job Description at https://tinyurl.com/jdkaihapai
