Associate Charge Nurse Manager - OPR1 - Mental Health Service for Older People

• Waikato Hospital
• Fixed term until 16 April 2027 - 80 hours per fortnight

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

Associate Charge Nurse Manager roles within an inpatient environment are an essential part of the day to day running of the ward, creating partnerships with Māori across all levels including tāngata whaiora, whānau, Māori staff and the Kaitakawaenga team, and supporting our non-Māori staff to work together in reducing inequity.

You support the Charge Nurse Manager (CNM) to lead a multi-disciplinary team that fosters a culture of mutual respect, safe practice and acknowledges contributions from both cultural and clinical perspectives.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

OPR1 is a busy 15 bedded unit providing acute assessment and treatment for tangata whaiora over the age of 65 presenting with acute mental health conditions, dementia with behavioural and psychological conditions and palliative dementia care.

We are looking for a strong, resilient leader who will be able to support tangata whaiora and their whaanau during an acute admission, however also support the CNM to lead the team with a focus on delivering excellent care.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
• Engage and work collaboratively with all stakeholders, with a specific focus on tāngata whaiora, whanau and connections with the MHSOP community team.
• Foster a culture of openness and quality improvement, with tāngata whaiora and whānau at the centre.
• Be passionate about caring for the elderly, particularly in a mental health setting and work with the team to provide quality care.
• Hold a current nursing registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand with scope to work in mental health.
• Build and maintain a high performing team that upholds the culture, values, mission and vision of the service.

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 online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 18 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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