Health Protection Officer - Christchurch - NPHS

• Join a team of passionate public health professionals
• Play a critical role in protecting the health of communities
• Full-time, Fixed Term for 11 months based in Christchurch

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

The Health Protection Officer holds responsibility for monitoring, compliance, operational policy implementation and providing evidence-based advice and information that aims to improve, promote and protect the health of our population in the communities we service with a focus on equity and Hauora Māori. They primarily work in environmental health, communicable disease surveillance and investigations, and border health protection.

In this role, you will also be skilled at building relationships within our organisation and the broader community, including various agencies and stakeholders. You will also be able to work collaboratively alongside communities and wider stakeholders. A good knowledge of and strong links to our Auckland communities will be an advantage.

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 will preferably have previously been designated as a Health Protection Officer and have retained the competencies for designation to be reinstated on appointment. Applicants able to complete the designation within the required time may also find this opportunity of interest.

If you're naturally inquisitive, love investigation and have a strong sense of initiative, you may be a great fit for this role. You are someone able to identify and manage risks to human health effectively. Excellent communication skills are a must, as you'll be working closely with other public health professionals. Paying close attention to details and following procedures accurately are essential skills we're looking for.

• A relevant degree in public health as advised in the Criteria for Appointment as a Public Health Statutory Officer
• Previous experience working in public health, environmental health, or a regulatory role
• Clean full NZ Driver Licence
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively alongside communities/ stakeholders 
• Experience in project and programme planning and evaluation, research and writing
• Ability to analyse and interpret public health data for evidence-based decision making
• Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action
• Proficiency in risk assessment and management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

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 Wednesday, 12 August 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.