Practice Lead - Mana Ake - Christchurch - NPHS

• Lead and influence a region-wide programme supporting the mental health and wellbeing of primary school children
• Provide clinical and operational leadership across a collaborative network of providers, schools and partners
• Full-time, permanent position based in Canterbury

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

Mana Ake – Stronger for Tomorrow provides mental health and wellbeing support for children in primary school years 1-8 across Canterbury. Mana Ake kaimahi (workers) are employed by one of 13 NGO providers and support schools, families and whānau when children are experiencing issues that impact their wellbeing.

The primary purpose of the role is to provide operational management and planning for the Mana Ake team in conjunction with the programme lead and with the NGO employment partners. The position will provide clinical leadership and support to Mana Ake kaiarahi (team leaders) and schools to support the continuous improvement of the Mana Ake initiative.

The practice lead will ensure that responses for children, whanau, schools and sector partners are consistent, logical and adaptable as part of a continuous learning and evaluation approach of Mana Ake. You will be responsible for providing operational, clinical and team leadership to kaiārahi, NGO employers of kaimahi and individuals to achieve equitable outcomes for Māori, Pasifika and diverse groups. Continuous learning, programme evaluation and working alongside the Programme Lead to ensure that strategic outcomes are achieved.

About the Service

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

You are an experienced and values-driven leader with a strong background in child and youth mental health or community wellbeing. You bring a collaborative, relationship-focused approach and are passionate about improving outcomes for tamariki and whānau. With the ability to influence across organisations, you thrive in complex environments and are committed to equity and continuous improvement.

You will bring

• A relevant qualification and registration as a health professional with current practising certification
• Experience leading teams and supporting staff to deliver high-quality, evidence-informed practice
• Strong relationships across health, education and social sectors, with the ability to work collaboratively
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equity for Māori, Pacific and diverse communities
• Proven ability to drive service improvement and adapt in dynamic, evolving environments

Working for 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 Thursday, 02 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett via maria.bennett1@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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