Regional Clinical Lead, Nursing - Te Waipounamu - Hauora Māori Service

• Full-time, permanent position
• Based in Te Waipounamu | Southern Region

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 

About the Role

As Regional Clinical Lead – Nursing, you'll be at the forefront of delivering Hauora Māori services in your region. You'll oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring services are aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and responsive to the needs of whānau.

You'll work closely with planning and funding teams, hospital services, and Māori health providers to support integrated, flexible models of care that reflect what matters most to whānau.

Your leadership will influence:

• Regional nursing service delivery and clinical excellence
• Integration of Māori models of care
• Strong partnerships across clinical disciplines and operational teams

About the Team/Service

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. 

About You

You're a nursing leader with a deep understanding of Māori health and a commitment to equity. You bring strategic insight, operational experience, and a collaborative spirit that strengthens partnerships and drives transformation.

You'll bring:

• A current Annual Practising Certificate with the Nursing Council of NZ
• A Professional Development Recognition Portfolio (PDRP)
• 8+ years of senior leadership and advisory experience
• Proven Māori leadership experience and the ability to influence senior decision-makers

You'll work closely with other Regional Clinical Leads – Nursing across the motu and collaborate with the Chief Nursing Officer, Hauora Māori Service, to improve outcomes for Māori.

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 29 January 2026. 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.