- Join Health NZ Nelson Marlborough at a key time of change where you will meaningfully contribute to our kaupapa of creating a more equitable, accessible, cohesive, and people-centred health system. This is mahi that will improve the health and well-being of everyone in Aotearoa, and we've got an opportunity for you to be part of it.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.
About the Role
The primary objective of this role is to provide cultural support and leadership pertaining to tikanga to senior leaders during events where tikanga Maori is necessary to establish and maintain respectful relationships with iwi and hapū. The Pou Herenga will guide and support staff in matters pertaining to cultural training, education and provide support to the Te Waka Hauora Maori Health team.
The position will provide leadership on matters pertaining to tikanga Māori and will report directly to the Interim GM Maori and Vulnerable Populations and the Group Director Operations - Hospital and Specialist Services.
You will also provide bicultural education on Māori values and beliefs to improve the cultural responsiveness of our staff to the Māori community, patients and their whānau accessing hospital related services.
This is a permanent, part-time role working 64 hours per fortnight (0.8 FTE), Monday to Friday, 8.00AM to 4.30PM.
About the Team/Service/ Location
Health NZ Nelson Marlborough is the main health provider for the Te Tau Ihu, the top of the south. With nearly 3,200 employees, we are Nelson - s and Marlborough - s largest employer supporting the health and wellbeing of over 150,000 citizens across the region.
Our main locations are Nelson and Wairau Hospitals, and the Richmond and Marlborough Health Hubs, but we are spread across the region and service all parts of the community. Our work can be challenging, but we are up for it. We have a great team and we work hard to make a difference. We value integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork.
For more information on living and working in Nelson click here
About you
As a Pou Herenga (Tikanga and Cultural Advisor), you will:
- Be able to relate to a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds hence having excellent interpersonal skills to engage with people is important,
- Be self-motivated to work independently as well as collaborate with others,
- Hold upmost integrity and act with honesty,
- Navigate complex issues such as political to do with health and Māori communities,
- Hold a tertiary qualification in Māori development / Te Reo or in health and social sciences (advantageous but not essential),
- Understand te reo me ōna tikanga, local Māori communities and Māori networks (essential) .
This role will suit someone with a background in teaching, health or social support / science.
All applicants must be competent in te reo Māori and have a sound understanding of tikanga Māori, as the appointee will take a leadership role around pōwhiri / whakatau at organisational events that connect in with our Māori communities and local marae.
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ work visa at the time of applying.
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 18 July 2025. If you have any general questions please contact
Sonja Rae (recruitment) at [email protected] OR
Sandy Mclean-Cooper (District Chief Nurse) at [email protected] .
Job ref: R1N25-119
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
