Kaihohourongo | Mediator/Dispute Resolution Practitioner

(Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland Based)

Band 4B $101,360 – $137,134

• Values-based work environment
• Meaningful and impactful work in human rights
• Te Tiriti based organisation
• Collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Supportive of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga

Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role

We are looking for an experienced and culturally grounded Mediator to join our Information and Dispute Resolution rōpū. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity to support individuals and communities across Aotearoa who are experiencing unlawful discrimination, racial harassment, sexual harassment and related human rights concerns.

As a Kaihohourongo, you will play a central role in helping people navigate and resolve complaints, using best practice dispute resolution methods with an emphasis on early and informal resolution. The role requires direct communication with complainants and respondents, managing cases through to closure in ways that reflect our Te Tiriti-based values and human rights kaupapa.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring a unique blend of technical expertise, cultural fluency and a deep commitment to human rights. We are looking for someone with:

• Strong knowledge of tikanga Māori and a high level of competency in te reo Māori
• Demonstrated commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and experience working in a Tiriti-based context
• A recognised qualification in mediation or dispute resolution (or be working towards one)
• Experience using early resolution and other dispute resolution techniques in complex or sensitive disputes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong focus on empathy and active listening
• Ability to analyse and manage complex casework impartially and effectively
• Resilience, discretion, and professionalism in emotionally charged or contested spaces
• Personal organisation and the ability to manage your own case load independently
• Relevant lived experience and experience working with diverse communities, including Māori, Pacific, tāngata whaikaha | disabled people, takatāpui | Rainbow people, rangatahi | young people, and migrants.

Ngā whaipainga o te mahi kei te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Benefits of working at the Human Rights Commission

• Generous leave package: 5 weeks Annual Leave + Commission Days + Cultural Leave + Sick Leave
• Te Tiriti-based organisation with a strong values foundation
• 37.5-hour working week
• Flexible working arrangements
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Enhanced parental leave provisions (above legislative entitlements)

Mō tō mātou Rōpū | About the Team

The Dispute Resolution (DR) team is a part of our Information and Dispute Resolution rōpū that provides high-quality, accessible information, support and dispute resolution services to people experiencing unlawful discrimination and human rights issues. DR is made up of dedicated professional mediators who help resolve complaints of unlawful discrimination and broader human rights issues.

Our rōpū is values-driven, diverse, and united by a shared commitment to justice, dignity and human rights for all.

Mō te Kāhui Tika Tangata | About the Human Rights Commission

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata is Aotearoa New Zealand’s national human rights institution. We were established under the Human Rights Act 1993 and are committed to protecting and promoting human rights for everyone in Aotearoa.

As a Te Tiriti-based organisation and national human rights institution the Commission is committed to the holistic expression of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, He Whakaputanga, and human rights for all people in Aotearoa. This means we aim to uphold our responsibilities under Te Tiriti at every level of the organisation and in all our activities

Our vision is to be credible, connected and impactful—ensuring Te Tiriti and human rights are real, relevant and upheld across Aotearoa.

Ō mātou uara | Our Values

• Mana Tangata – Human Dignity
• Māia, Tika, Pono – Courage and Integrity
• Whanaungatanga – Relationships

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

We are open to applicants with a broad range of relevant experience.

We celebrate diversity and strive to build a strong, inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, and those of diverse ethnicities, cultures, faiths, sexualities and gender identities.

If you require support or adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process, please let us know. The job description and this advertisement are available in alternative formats on request.

To view the job description please click here.

To apply, please complete the application form after clicking “Apply here” on our careers site. Please ensure you include your cover letter and CV with your application.

If you have any questions, contact the People and Culture Team: peopleandculture@tikatangata.org.nz.

Applications close at 5pm, Monday 16 June
Applicants must have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.