Principal Operational Policy Analyst - Hauora Māori Service

• Full-time permanent position
• Work from any Health New Zealand office location nationwide  

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

You will play a key role in identifying, managing, and mitigating risks while fostering strong interpersonal relationships and proactively solving problems. Your work will involve direct engagement with government agencies to ensure that Māori perspectives are embedded in decision-making from development through to implementation. Key responsibilities include contributing to law reform (e.g., mental health, COVID-19 legislation, alcohol and drug laws), reviewing major government operational platforms affecting whānau and communities, and ensuring timely communication of risks and milestones to senior leaders within Health New Zealand. 

About the Team/Service/ Location

As the Hauora Māori Service of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) our core role is to ensure New Zealanders have better and more timely access to health care.  The devolution of resources and decision making to the regions ensures those closest to service users and whānau are involved in decisions on how healthcare is delivered. We are committed to ensuring our operating model is responsive to the needs of Māori. 

The Investment and Operational Policy team within Performance and Funding draws on research and regional insights to develop policies and implementation plans that align with government direction and guide investment decisions for the Hauora Māori Service.

About you

You bring strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with proven experience in Māori engagement, risk management, and collaboration across government agencies. You thrive in collaborative environments and demonstrate a solid understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application within the health sector.

You will have:

• A relevant tertiary or postgraduate qualification and/or significant relevant performance and funding work experience.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven ability to work alongside diverse communities to shape health policy direction in Aotearoa.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in applying Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, with experience in the health sector considered a distinct advantage.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.  

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.”  All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 10 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on zerissa.ong@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz. 

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.