Principal Advisor Partnerships & Engagements

• Work from where you are 

• Permanent, full-time position    

• Shape how we engage nationally to strengthen resilience and ensure a unified approach

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 Principal Advisor – Strategic Partnerships & Engagement provides strategic leadership and high-level advice to strengthen Health NZ's external relationships across the emergency management system, ensuring its perspectives are well represented in national forums and embedded in sector-wide engagement strategies. This externally focused role anticipates risks and opportunities, delivers credible advice under pressure, and drives collaboration to enhance emergency preparedness and resilience. 

About the Team/Service/ Location  

This role sits within the Health, Wellbeing, Safety & Organisational Resilience team in the People & Culture team. You'll be part of a national network of emergency management professionals, working closely with district leads and regional teams to strengthen our emergency preparedness and response capabilities. 

About you  

You'll bring at least 15 years of progressive experience in emergency management, organisational resilience, or public policy, with a strong track record of strategic advisory work at a national or enterprise level—particularly within the health sector. Your ability to build and sustain partnerships with iwi/Māori, government agencies, NGOs, and health organisations is matched by your expertise in embedding system-level frameworks and delivering high-quality advice to senior leaders and governance bodies.  

You have a deep understanding of the CDEM Act, National Security System, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and know how these intersect with health system priorities. Experience with Cabinet processes, international partnerships, and formal training in governance or programme management is desirable. 

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 24 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa van der Mespel at lisa.vandermespel@tewhatuora.govt.nz  

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