New Paragraph
Pungarehu, Taranaki, New Zealand
Applications close:
12 Oct 2026
Overview:
The Parihaka Papakāinga Trust is entrusted with the administration, maintenance and development of the assets and infrastructure of Parihaka on behalf of its residents, beneficiaries and the followers of Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai. This role combines responsibility for grounds maintenance, infrastructure monitoring, water treatment operations, equipment management and general caretaking of shared community spaces. Working both independently and alongside contractors, the role contributes to the safety, functionality, appearance and sustainability of the papakāinga.
Overview
Key Responsibilities:
GROUNDS AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
- Maintain accurate reporting records of completed maintenance
- Mow, edge and maintain lawns throughout shared papakāinga areas.
- Plant, prune, weed and maintain trees, gardens and shrubs.
- Maintain landscapes, walkways and outdoor communal spaces.
- Undertake vegetation clearance and management activities.
- Remove litter, debris and grass clippings to maintain a clean environment
WATER TREATMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
- Assist with the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant and related infrastructure.
- Conduct routine monitoring and testing of potable water systems.
- Monitor water quality, storage facilities and system performance.
- Undertake inspections of infrastructure assets and report faults or maintenance requirements.
- Support contractors and technical specialists in maintaining water and infrastructure systems.
- Ensure compliance with applicable water quality and health regulations.
EQUIPMENT AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
- Operate and maintain groundskeeping and infrastructure equipment, including mowers, chainsaws, trimmers, irrigation systems and hand tools.
- Maintain equipment inventories and ensure assets are securely stored when not in use.
- Undertake routine inspections and preventative maintenance of equipment.
- Ensure all machinery is operated safely and in accordance with health and safety requirements.
MINOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
- Carry out basic repairs and maintenance to fences, gates, pumps, valves and other papakāinga assets.
- Identify maintenance issues and escalate significant repairs for approval and action.
- Contribute to the ongoing upkeep and presentation of community facilities and infrastructure. Health, Safety and Security
- Maintain safe grounds, facilities and infrastructure for residents and visitors.
- Conduct hazard identification and report risks promptly.
- Support compliance with health and safety legislation, policies and procedures.
- Assist with checking emergency and safety resources, including fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, civil defence resources and defibrillators.
- Report suspicious activity or security concerns to management.
- Use and maintain personal protective equipment and follow safe operating procedures.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Participate in community hui, events and activities where appropriate.
- Maintain positive working relationships with residents, contractors, marae representatives and Trust staff.
- Support the values, aspirations and kaupapa of Parihaka. Other Duties
- Undertake additional duties as reasonably required and mutually agreed that support the objectives of the Trust and the wellbeing of the papakāinga community.
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS:
- High level of proficiency in MS Office, specifically Outlook, Word, Excel)
- Good level of physical fitness and ability to undertake outdoor manual work.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good problem-solving and organisational skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
- Ability to operate and maintain groundskeeping equipment.
- Full driver's licence.
- Reliable, honest and able to work unsupervised
- Knowledge of horticulture, landscaping and grounds maintenance.
- Knowledge of water treatment systems or infrastructure maintenance.
- Understanding of pest and disease management.
- Understanding of Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Parihaka history.
- Basic proficiency in Te Reo Māori.
- Knowledge of local whakapapa connections to Parihaka
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (OR WILLINGNESS TO OBTAIN):
- First Aid
- Site Safe Certificate
- Certificate in Water Treatment or related field (or willingness to obtain)
CHARACTERISTICS
The personal characteristics we expect to see in you include, but are not limited to:
- Knowing your whakapapa links to Parihaka
- Having an understanding of the Parihaka community and history
- Being proficient in te reo Māori (preferred but not essential)
- Being alcohol & drug free – the Trust reserves the right to conduct random Alcohol & Drug testing
- Having strong people skills and manaakitanga.
- Possessing strong written and oral communication skills
- Being open and positive
- Working in a timely and accurate manner
- Having integrity, loyalty and honesty and work well within a team
- Being able to work unsupervised and ‘get things done’ and
- Exercising self-awareness and self-care.
What we can offer you
Who we are
Parihaka is nearing the completion of a major infrastructure project that, once complete, will see the papakāinga positioned and ready to advance its moemoea and aspirations for the future. To enable Parihaka to advance those aspirations in a timely way, the Parihaka Papakāinga Trust is embarking on a recruitment programme to facilitate and deliver our projected growth and development. Parihaka Papakāinga Trust is excited to invite applications to join the team on our haerenga whakamua.
Closing date for applications - 8am Monday 12th October 2026
If shortlisted, candidates will need to be available for an interview prior to 20th October 2026
Enquiries and/or applications to be emailed to: tono@ppt.maori.nz
