Who are Kaiāwhina?

Kaiāwhina is the over-arching term to describe non-regulated roles in the health and disability sector. The term does not replace specific role titles such as healthcare assistant, orderly, mental health support worker.

The kaiāwhina term embodies the core essence of a workforce that is passionate, resilient, diverse, skilled and committed to supporting hauora (holistic wellbeing) outcomes of all in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mā te āwhina, e ora ai te torohū
o te kaiāwhina.

Nurturing the limitless potential
of the kaiāwhina workforce.

Kaiāwhina Successes

For Kaiāwhina

Are you in a care or support worker role? Here you’ll find information about how you can get involved in the Kaiāwhina Workforce Plan and network with others. You can also find information on careers, training, qualifications and job opportunities for care and support work. We also share some stories from people who work in these rewarding and fulfilling roles.

Latest News

Congratulations to Cathy Cooney, Independent Facilitator of the Kaiāwhina Workforce Plan, who was made a member of the New Zealand order of merit in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Industry Training Organisation, Careerforce developed a campaign aimed at promoting career pathways in care and support, and attract greater workforce diversity.

The first and formative 5-year Kaiāwhina Workforce Action Plan 2015-2020 concluded in June 2020, having helped to build an enduring foundation for the future of the kaiāwhina workforce.