Join Te Whakaruruhau
For 40 years, Te Whakaruruhau has walked alongside wāhine, tamariki and whānau across Waikato, supporting safety, healing, and positive change.
As the first Māori Women's Refuge in Aotearoa, our work is grounded in a Whakapapa-Centred Model of Care and guided by our commitment to:
Ko te tiaki, te whakaora me te tohu i te whakapapa te whāinga matua.
To protect, restore and preserve whakapapa.
Everything we do is shaped by our values of Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Kotahitanga, and Tika, Pono me te Aroha.
At Te Whakaruruhau, every role contributes to our shared purpose of protecting, restoring, and preserving whakapapa.
We Are Looking For People Who Share Our Kaupapa
We welcome applications from people who are passionate about strengthening whānau, supporting communities, and creating positive change.
You may have experience in:
- Kaupapa Māori services
- Pasifika services
- Social services
- Family violence services
- Community development
- Health and wellbeing
- Mental health and addictions
- Youth development
- Education
- Housing and support services
- Justice or Corrections
- Community leadership and advocacy
We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have experience working alongside Māori, Pasifika, and diverse communities.
Areas of Mahi
Crisis Response
Walking alongside wāhine, tamariki, and whānau during times of crisis and heightened risk. This frontline mahi focuses on safety, advocacy, crisis support, and helping whānau navigate immediate pathways towards safety, healing, and stability.
Community Support
Walking alongside whānau beyond the crisis. This mahi focuses on advocacy, connection, and ongoing support, helping whānau strengthen safety, wellbeing, and self-determination while working towards goals that matter to them.
Transitional Housing
Supporting whānau to rebuild, recover, and create strong foundations for the future. This mahi focuses on housing stability, wellbeing, independence, and helping whānau move towards their aspirations with confidence.
Residential Safe House
Providing a safe and supportive environment for wāhine, tamariki, and whānau experiencing family violence. This mahi focuses on safety, care, practical support, and walking alongside whānau as they begin their journey towards healing and recovery.
What Matters Most
We are looking for people who can:
- Build genuine and respectful relationships with whānau
- Recognise and build on the strengths, resilience, and aspirations of whānau
- Walk alongside people through times of challenge, change, and growth
- Support safety, healing, restoration, and reconnection
- Work in a way that reflects Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Kotahitanga, and Tika, Pono me te Aroha
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, whānau, and community partners
- Demonstrate sound judgement, professionalism, and integrity
- Contribute to our shared purpose of protecting, restoring, and preserving whakapapa
Why Join Us?
At Te Whakaruruhau, we invest in our people through:
- Meaningful, values-driven mahi
- Ongoing training and development
- Professional and cultural growth opportunities
- Professional supervision
- Cultural supervision
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
- Opportunities to contribute to lasting change for whānau and communities
- A workplace grounded in Kaupapa Māori and collective care
Apply Now
To be considered for current and future opportunities at Te Whakaruruhau, please submit your application through our Employment Hero Recruitment Portal.
Applications should include:
- Your CV
- A cover letter outlining your experience, strengths, and connection to this kaupapa
We regularly recruit across a range of services and teams. Applications will be considered for opportunities that align with your skills, experience, and interests.
Ko te tiaki, te whakaora me te tohu i te whakapapa te whāinga matua.
Protecting, restoring, and preserving whakapapa is at the heart of everything we do.