Director Of Nursing

Director of Nursing – Mental Health & Addictions Services

Location: Palmerston North Hospital

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Benefits An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged

• A professional and supportive culture and team setting
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options
• Tailored wellness programmes

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Reporting operationally to the General Manager Mental Health & Addictions and professionally to the District Chief Nurse, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for the nursing profession.
• Represent nursing at regional and national levels.
• Enhance and optimise nursing care delivery across acute inpatient and community-based teams.
• Support and foster a positive, mana-enhancing learning culture across the service.
• Ensure high standards of nursing care and professionalism.
• Work in partnership with other disciplines to deliver integrated, quality health services.

About the Team/Service

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua | MidCentral District is part of the Te Ikaroa, Central Region network of Mental Health and Addiction services. Te Uru Ruahī (Mental Health & Addictions Services) is responsible for commissioning and delivering MH&A services across the rohe.

We have embarked on a transformational change programme informed by a wellness and recovery-focused approach that prioritises access, choice, and care closer to home. Our future direction is grounded in Te Tiriti partnership, ensuring secondary mental health and addiction services are part of a continuum of connected care in collaboration with primary providers, NGOs, and Iwi partners.

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life.  It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here

About you

The successful candidate will have:

• Current registration as a Nurse with an annual practising certificate.
• Master's degree in Nursing or a relevant subject (or substantive progress toward completion).
• Previous senior leadership experience in the Mental Health and Addictions sector.
• Extensive knowledge of MH&A service delivery and contemporary nursing trends.
• Proven ability to lead strategically and manage change in complex environments.
• Strong commitment to professional development and equity-focused care.
• Ability to build credibility and maintain positive working relationships across disciplines.
• Knowledge of co-existing or dual diagnoses (MH & Disability) preferred.

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 27 Jan 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Helen Manoharan, Nursing Recruitment Consultant (Email: helen.manoharan@tewhatuora.govt.nz)

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position