Service Manager – Kaiārahi (Family Court Navigators)

About the role

The Service Manager – Kaiārahi will lead the Family Court Navigators service, helping whānau understand and access family justice resources across a regional area. You will oversee a dispersed team, ensuring consistent, high‑quality support for families navigating the Family Court, Legal Aid, dispute resolution and related services.

Key responsibilities

• Provide regional leadership for the Kaiārahi service in either the Northern (Auckland) or Southern (South Island) region.
• Coach, develop and build capability within a geographically dispersed team of Kaiārahi advisors.
• Manage service delivery performance, demand, travel logistics and service expectations.
• Collaborate with iwi, community providers, courts and other stakeholders to improve access and strengthen partnerships.
• Ensure the service remains practical, responsive and aligned with the needs of whānau.

Required profile

• Proven people‑leadership experience, including managing remote and dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee service delivery and performance metrics.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with community, iwi and court stakeholders.
• Experience working with diverse families and complex situations.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to work effectively with Māori and Pasifika communities.

Required skills

• Good judgement and balance of day‑to‑day delivery with long‑term planning.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving abilities.
• Practical, adaptable approach to service management.
• Full driver’s licence.

What we offer

• Permanent, full‑time employment within the Ministry of Justice.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on family justice outcomes.
• Supportive, inclusive workplace that values diversity of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and religion.