Nau mai, haere mai!

Are you passionate about creating welcoming spaces for newcomers, migrants, and tangata whenua alike? Do you thrive on building inclusive communities where everyone can feel a sense of whanaungatanga (connection and belonging)?

Waitaki Multicultural Council is seeking a dedicated, community-minded Community Engagement Lead to support our services. This role plays a key part in helping newcomers to our region feel connected, supported and valued.

About Us

Waitaki Multicultural is a not-for-profit organisation that celebrates and strengthens diversity in our district. We are proud to embrace the values of E Tū Whānau – a kaupapa Māori values-based framework that guides our mahi.

The six values of E Tū Whānau are:

1. Aroha – giving with no expectation of return

2. Whanaungatanga – it's about being connected

3. Whakapapa – knowing who you are and where you belong

4. Mana/Manaaki – building the mana of others through nurturing, respect, and support

5. Kōrero Awhi – open communication where we speak and listen with respect

6. Tikanga – doing things the right way, according to our values

Purpose of the Role

To support the administrative and community-facing functions of our services by:

- Welcoming and supporting newcomers and migrants

- Applying for grants and providing accountability reports

- Connecting people through events, advocacy and outreach

- Coordinating volunteers and engaging with local communities

- Promoting cultural diversity and inclusion across Waitaki

You’ll work closely with:

WMC Committee (chairman mostly), our Community Connector, and our Office Administrator.

Newcomers and migrants, community and ethnic groups, our funders, and local and central government agencies

Key Responsibilities

- Be a warm, welcoming face to all newcomers to Waitaki

- Apply for funds to keep our organisation running

- Write accountability reports for our funders

- Maintain regular community contact and deliver weekly connection events

- Coordinate volunteers and acknowledge their mahi

- Promote WMC services and events through social media and community channels

- Provide monthly and annual operational reports to the Committee

- Maintain accurate membership databases and communications

- Support individuals with advocacy, referrals, and problem-solving

- Attend citizenship ceremonies and community hui

- Liaise with rural migrant communities to reduce isolation

- Foster strong, respectful relationships with tangata whenua and ethnic communities

- Raise awareness and promote acceptance of cultural diversity in the wider community

Person Specification

- At least 3 years’ experience in service delivery or community coordination

- Understanding of Aotearoa’s diverse communities and cross-cultural empathy

- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application

- Confidence working independently and proactively

- Strong relationship-building skills with NGOs, funders, councils, and ethnic groups

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

- Competence with MS Office, email, websites, databases, and social media

- A creative and flexible approach to community outreach and event planning

- Willingness to attend occasional evening or weekend events

What we offer:

20 hours per week with $30 per hour.

A great team to work with.

To apply:

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience to [email protected] by Friday 4th of September 2025.

Join us in our mission to build communities in harmony