Local Immunisation and Prevention Lead - Canterbury - NPHS

• Opportunity for a confident and experienced leader to strengthen coordination of the South Canterbury Immunisation Programme.
• Bring partners together, build trusted relationships and lead through influence to improve equitable immunisation outcomes for whānau.
• Fixed-term position until 30 June 2027, 0.25 FTE, based in Timaru, South 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

As a Local Immunisation and Prevention Lead, you will be a confident relationship leader who can work constructively across complex stakeholder environments, build trust and lead through influence.

You will be a key point of contact for local immunisation and screening providers and stakeholders, building strong relationships across Health NZ, Primary Care, pharmacy, Hauora Māori and Pacific services, midwifery and NGOs You will identify opportunities to improve uptake, navigate local barriers and risks, and support effective and equitable delivery for communities and whānau.

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

As a Local Immunisation and Prevention Lead, you are someone with strong relationship and demonstrated programme management experience with Hauora Māori, Primary Care and community partners and be comfortable navigating differing perspectives while maintaining a clear focus on equity and outcomes for whānau.

• Proven experience in health programme design and management of relationships, performance monitoring and reporting leading through influence
• Demonstrated ability to bring diverse partners together, navigate complexity and maintain productive relationships when priorities or perspectives differ.
• Experience in advisory roles, applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice, as well as strong project coordination skills
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the specific relationship under te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Te Whatu Ora's role in improving outcomes for iwi and Māori communities. Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action
• Proven ability to foster collaboration between key partners and stakeholders, sharing  data to regional performance and service montoring, ensuring effective and equitable service delivery
• Knowledge and skills in Machinery of Government and dealing effectively with complex and politically sensitive situations or topics
• New Zealand Driver's License

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, 26 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett at maria.bennett1@tewhatuora.govt.nz