At YMCA Taranaki, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community!
Our main site is right here in the heart of New Plymouth on Liardet Street, while our Youth Development and Youth Education programmes are delivered from 131 South Road on the Rangiatea campus. We also have Youth Education sites in Whanganui, Palmerston North, and Dannevirke, helping to empower and uplift communities across Taranaki and Manawatu – Whanganui regions.
We offer a wide range of programmes and services, including sport and recreation, fitness, early childhood care, out-of-school care, youth development, and education. With opportunities across these diverse fields, YMCA Taranaki has a variety of roles waiting for you!
When you join The Y, you become part of our whānau. It’s not just about a job—it’s about being part of a not-for-profit organisation that’s dedicated to strengthening families, building up our youth, and making a positive impact. By working with us, you’re helping to reinvest in your community, every single day.
Explore our current opportunities below and find the role that’s right for you.
Feel free to email us about any career opportunities. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Y whānau!
Te Whare o Tapatahi (YMCA Taranaki) – Senior Support Worker – Saturday overnight
Te Whare o Tapatahi is a kaupapa Māori-informed emergency shelter supporting tāne experiencing homelessness. Operated by YMCA Ngāmotu, we offer sleeping, bathroom, laundry, and kitchen facilities for up to 20 tāne. Currently open four nights a week, we’re expanding to a seven-night service and growing our daytime programme.
More than a shelter, Tapatahi is a space of connection, healing, and empowerment. Our mahi is grounded in manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and whanaungatanga, creating a safe and inclusive environment for our whānau.
The Role
We are seeking a compassionate and committed Seniors Support Worker on a permanent part-time basis to join our team to ensure the smooth running of our overnight Saturday service. In this role, you will provide direct care and support to individuals using the shelter, including supervision, crisis intervention, security, and ensuring health and safety standards are upheld.
What we’re looking for:
Desirable attributes:
Guarenteed shift:
10:00pm – 07:00am Saturday.
Rostered shifts:
6:00am-9:30am Monday.
6:00am-2:00pm Friday and Tuesday.
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
10:00pm – 07:00am Monday, Thursday, and Friday.
To apply:
Please submit your covering letter and CV.
Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
YMCA Taranaki is committed to Child Protection and the safeguarding of tamariki and young people. All staff are expected to uphold these values and comply with the Children’s Act requirements, including police vetting and reference checks.
Work Location: In person
Fixed Term (12 Months) Part-Time | Approximately 22-28 hours per week Flexible Options Available
YMCA Taranaki is looking for a reliable, caring, and community-minded person to join our team in a unique role supporting two important services in New Plymouth.
Working across both our YMCA Education programmes and Te Whare o Tapatahi Rough Sleeping Shelter, you’ll play a vital role in helping people access the support they need while ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect, and care.
This position combines youth transport services with the safe management of whānau belongings and community support activities. We are also open to flexible arrangements if applicants can only undertake part of the role.
About the Role | Mō te Tūranga
As our Community Transport & Whānau Support Driver, you will:
YMCA Education
Te Whare o Tapatahi Rough Sleeping Shelter
Hours of Work
The role combines hours across both services and is expected to total approximately 22-28 hours per week.
Typical hours include:
YMCA Education (Term Time) Monday to Thursday
Te Whare o Tapatahi Monday to Saturday
Flexibility may be available depending on the successful applicant.
What You’ll Bring | Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako
We’re looking for someone who is:
Essential Requirements
Desirable
What We Offer | Ngā Painga
Our Commitment to Safety YMCA Taranaki is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people, and vulnerable members of our community. Successful applicants will be required to undergo police vetting, reference checks, and meet all legislative requirements under the Children’s Act and YMCA safeguarding policies.
Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa.
Ready to Make a Difference? | Me Tono Mai
If you’re a reliable driver who enjoys working with people and wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of rangatahi and whānau, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and may close once a suitable candidate has been found.
YMCA Taranaki – Youth Development Team |
Hours: 20 hours per week initially, increasing to 37.5 hours per week from January 2027 to October 2027 to cover maternity leave, before returning to 20 hours per week thereafter.
Join our whanau and help uplift the next generation of rangatahi.
YMCA Taranaki is seeking a passionate and committed Youth Worker | Kaitautoko Rangatahi to join our vibrant Youth Development team. This role is more than mahi—it’s a chance to be part of a kaupapa grounded in manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and empowering young people and their whanau to thrive.
About the Role | Mo te Turanga
As a Youth Worker at YMCA Taranaki, you will walk alongside rangatahi as a supportive mentor, advocate, and role model. You’ll bring a culturally responsive, strengths-based approach to your mahi, integrating Te Ao Maori me ona tikanga into everyday interactions to build trust and uplift identity.
In this role, you will:
– Mentor rangatahi one-on-one, supporting their goals, wellbeing, and personal development through YMCA programmes and kaupapa.
– Engage and collaborate with whanau, community, and local organisations to build a strong wraparound support network.
– Promote wellbeing, resilience, and positive behaviours, while role-modelling healthy life skills.
– Respond professionally and calmly to crisis situations, demonstrating empathy, sound judgement, and cultural safety.
– Use sports, arts, wananga, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences to inspire connection and confidence.
– Uphold and respect local tikanga, kawa, and cultural protocols when engaging with rangatahi, whanau, and community partners.
What You’ll Bring | Nga Pukenga me Nga Wheako
– Rangatahi-focused, with experience mentoring youth individually or in groups.
– Confident in Te Ao Maori me ona Tikanga, and able to apply cultural understandings in practice.
– Flexible and adaptable, able to work evenings and occasional weekends.
– Skilled at building strong, respectful relationships with rangatahi and their whanau.
– Professional, reliable, empathetic, and resilient.
– Comfortable working across diverse cultures and settings.
– In possession of a full, clean driver’s licence and able to transport rangatahi as needed.
– A hobby or skill that reflects your strengths and identity, which you can weave into your mahi to build rapport with rangatahi.
Bonus Skills (Desirable but not essential):
– Knowledge of youth justice, FGC processes, or working alongside statutory agencies.
– Experience advocating for rangatahi and supporting them through challenging systems.
– Ability to assess needs and create individualised development plans that build strengths and confidence.
– A relevant qualification in youth work, social services, sports leadership, education, or willingness to gain one on the job.
– Established networks within youth services, education, or community sectors that can help strengthen support pathways for rangatahi.
What We Offer | Nga Painga
– Ongoing training and professional development.
– First Aid Certification provided.
– Staff discounts on YMCA services (Childcare, Holiday Programmes, etc.).
– Free YMCA Fitness Centre membership.
– Free onsite parking.
– Annual wellness day off to support hauora.
– Access to EAP services for additional wellbeing support.
Our Commitment to Safety
YMCA Taranaki is deeply committed to Child Protection and the safety of all rangatahi in our care. All staff must meet the requirements of the Children’s Act, including police vetting and reference checks.
Applicants must have New Zealand residency or a valid NZ work visa.
Ready to Make a Difference? | Me Tono Mai
If you’re ready to walk alongside rangatahi, uplift their voices, and help shape brighter futures, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining why this kaupapa resonates with you and what strengths you’ll bring to the role.
Applications close once a suitable candidate has been found.
Position: ILN Tutor (Intensive Literacy and Numeracy) Location: YMCA Education Palmerston North Hours: Up to 25 hours per week, Monday to Thursday (between 8:30am and 3:30pm) Term: Fixed-Term, 12 Months
Do you believe in the potential of young people and enjoy helping others build the confidence and skills they need to succeed?
The Y Youth Education in Palmerston North is seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated ILN Tutor to join our Youth Education team on a fixed-term basis for 12 months. This rewarding role involves delivering high-quality Intensive Literacy and Numeracy (ILN) programmes that empower learners to achieve their educational, personal, and employment goals.
Working within a supportive and values-driven environment, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of learners by helping them develop essential literacy and numeracy skills.
About the Role
As an ILN Tutor, you will:
About You
The ideal candidate will:
Essential Skills and Experience:
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
At YMCA Taranaki, we are committed to building stronger communities by helping people realise their potential. Our values of Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility underpin everything we do.
By joining our team, you will:
YMCA Taranaki is committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable people. All successful applicants will be subject to police vetting, reference checks, and screening processes in accordance with the Children’s Act and YMCA safeguarding requirements.
Apply Now
If you’re passionate about education and making a positive difference in people’s lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Applicants must have New Zealand residency or hold a valid New Zealand work visa.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the vacancy may close once a suitable candidate is appointed.
