Kaiwhakatere Hapori / Community Activator

‍About Rewiring Aotearoa

We’re all about the win-wins. We’re a New Zealand climate and energy non-profit that is building a future where every New Zealander saves money on energy bills, reduces their carbon emissions and has the resilience to keep their lights on and homes warm. Through data research, communications, and public engagement, we’re educating the public on the benefits of replacing fossil fuel machines with electric alternatives, and providing the pathways for every household and business to make the switch.

We’re a team of professionals with experience across climate, energy, policy, data and storytelling. We conduct research, create tools & resources, and engage directly with government, businesses and local communities. Our aim is to make it accessible for everyone to electrify households, farms, and the economy as a whole. This is so that New Zealanders can frontfoot the energy transformation we need for a more affordable, healthy, modern climate future.

About the opportunity: Kaiwhakatere Hapori / Community Activator

Note: this role is open to those located in New Zealand

At Rewiring Aotearoa, we know that fair and tika electrification requires a community-led movement. We are building a network of local groups (already 30+ groups around the motu) to spread this message, and we are now seeking a passionate Kaiwhakatere Hapori / Community Activator to join our Ecosystem team, helping grow and deepen this movement. This involves engaging with grassroots organisations, community groups, local councils, rural communities, businesses and industry groups and helping them push for rapid electrification. 

This is a crucial role that involves supporting our existing network of community leaders while also taking ownership of a new strategy to build authentic partnerships with iwi, hapū and whānau Māori, kaupapa Māori organisations and Pasifika communities. You will be a key connector, translating our research into practical resources and helping to establish new kaupapa Māori and Pasifika-led groups. This will be in collaboration with our Māori Community Advisor.

This is a remote role that will require travel across the motu for face-to-face relationship-building with the communities you’re supporting.

The ideal candidate will have experience in community mobilisation, strong organisational skills, great communication online and in-person, and an interest in climate, energy, and community wellbeing.

Core Skills

Required

• Deep understanding and respect for tikanga Māori, Te Ao Māori, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Proven ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with iwi, hapū and whānau Māori, and kaupapa Māori organisations, and Pasifika communities.
• Experience in advocating for the interests of vulnerable communities, particularly in energy policy, climate action and community activation.
• Proven experience in community engagement, mobilisation, stakeholder or volunteer management, including in developing and executing strategy.
• Experience organising and supporting events, training, or capacity-building activities.
• Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage empathetically with a diverse range of people, digitally and face to face.
• Public speaking or facilitation experience.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple relationships, and contribute within a collaborative team.
• High level of organisation, initiative, and adaptability in a fast-paced, start-up style environment.
• Commitment to equity and enthusiasm for contributing to climate and energy solutions in Aotearoa.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in te reo Māori.
• Experience working within iwi, hapū, or Māori community organisations
• Familiarity with digital tools for community engagement (e.g., Slack, WhatsApp, Google Meet, social media channels).
• Experience with grant or volunteer management.
• Understanding of local government processes and policy engagement.
• Knowledge of energy systems, electrification, climate science, or sustainable economics.

What we provide

• Fixed-term position at 0.6 FTE
• Flexible working arrangements and hours. This is a remote role, with travel required. 
• A competitive salary range, based on experience. Standard leave entitlements pro-rated for part-time hours
• Opportunity to be part of an impact-led non-profit that is moving the needle on electrification in New Zealand.

Ready to apply?

Apply by emailing hello@rewiring.nz with “community activator” in the subject line and:

• A copy of your CV.
• A paragraph or so about why you’re interested in working with us.

Applications close Friday the 19th of September at midday.‍

Please note: We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

If the sound of our mission excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t have all the listed experience. Also, please let us know if there is a way that works better for you to tell us about yourself and your interest in the role.