Pou Hāpai - Whānau Engagement and Experience Specialist

• Pou Hāpai, Whānau Engagement Specialist
•  Taranaki Base Hospital,
•  Permanent Full time (80 Hours, 1.0FTE)

This role gives you a front-row seat to real change for whānau Māori. You will help remove barriers, lift cultural safety, and ensure services respond to what whānau say they need.

At Te Pā Harakeke, our vision is clear Together we ensure our MOKOPUNA inherit a better tomorrow This role exists to deliver on that vision through practical, everyday action with whānau, staff, and services.

This is purpose-led work with visible impact. You will see outcomes shift because of what you do, a whānau member who gets seen sooner, a care plan that fits their world, a service that listens. You will build strong skills in Māori health, system navigation, and cross-cultural practice. You will grow fast, backed by a team who support each other and who stay focused on results for whānau Māori in Taranaki.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and committed to a health system that works for all.

About the role
You are the bridge between whānau Māori and the health system. You walk alongside whānau through complex care pathways with clarity and care. You assess cultural needs, arrange tailored support, and advocate across hospital and community services.

You lift the cultural confidence of staff through advice and training. You work with iwi providers, and community groups to design better ways of working for Māori. Every day, you help turn intent into action, so our MOKOPUNA inherit a better tomorrow.

Please click here to view the position description.

About the team, service, and location
You will join Te Pā Harakeke, the Māori Health Directorate. We are a tight-knit team with a clear focus on whānau wellbeing. We provide hands-on support and shape how the system responds to Māori.

Based in New Plymouth Taranaki, you will work in a region with strong iwi partnerships and active Māori networks. All throughout Taranaki you will be part of local change that keeps whānau voices at the centre and improves care where it matters.

About you

         Health or community experience in advocacy, social services, or whānau support.

          Connector who builds trust with whānau and works well across organisations.

         Problem-solver who navigates complex systems and speaks up for whānau.

         Organised and adaptable across whānau care, reporting, and service improvement.

         Culturally confident in Te Ao Māori, with te reo and tikanga, or ready to learn.

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 24th March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tamati Neho, Chief Māori Health and Equity Officer at tamati.neho@tdhb.org.nz

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