- Work from where you are
- Permanent, full-time (or close to full-time)
About the Role
The National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme is a crucial support to help people access specialist health care who need to travel long distances, or travel frequently, by contributing to their travel and accommodation costs. The primary purpose of this role is to oversee and manage the scheme, including the implementation of the agreed changes to the National Travel Assistance (NTA) Scheme in collaboration with senior leaders and regions.
About the Team/Service/ Location
You'll be joining a dynamic, nationally distributed team committed to delivering high-impact services across the health and social sectors. Based anywhere in New Zealand, you'll provide programme oversight and strategic coordination, working closely with travel coordinators, Sector Operations, and regional teams to ensure seamless service delivery. A key part of your role involves engaging with NGOs and community providers to strengthen sector relationships, while managing regular communications and timely responses to enquiries, including Ministerial correspondence. Reporting to the GM Service Investment and Development or the Programme Director for Planned Care and Cancer, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping service outcomes that matter.
About you
You are a strategic and empathetic leader with a strong grasp of programme management, operational policy and equity-focused service delivery. With an understanding of the challenges patients face accessing care, you bring the skills to oversee its evolution, implementing improvements in pre-payments, eligibility criteria, and digital integration. You collaborate confidently with senior leaders, regional teams, and NGOs to ensure the scheme is accessible, well-promoted, and responsive to those most in need. Your ability to manage budgets, track utilisation, and generate actionable policies and insights at all levels supports consistent, equitable outcomes. You thrive in a role that blends operational oversight with stakeholder engagement and are committed to making specialist healthcare more reachable for all New Zealanders.
- A relevant graduate qualification
- Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action
- At least 3-5 years' experience running large programmes such as this
- Project or programme management experience
- Proven experience delivering large change programmes
- Experience creating positive and productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders
- Experience using consumer and whānau experience to drive change
- An understanding of basic financial concepts and accounting practices
- Experience developing performance frameworks
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 11:59PM Sunday, 24 August 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Nicole Rickard via nicole.rickard@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.