Chief Nurse - Te Toka Tumai / Auckland District

• Working at Te Toka Tumai/Auckland District - Full-Time / Permanent role
• Responsible for nursing leadership including system-wide improvement initiatives, advancing high-quality, safe, and equitable care, workforce development and professional leadership.
• Contribute to Hospital operations leadership across a 1400 bed hospital group
• Be part of a high-performing team that is building the future of healthcare

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

Join Health New Zealand | Te Toka Tumai Auckland in a key executive leadership role as Chief Nurse – Te Toka Tumai Auckland.

The Chief Nurse is a highly influential clinical, professional, and operational leader. The Chief Nurse provides visible nursing leadership for the 4500 nurses across the district and ensures the nursing perspective is represented at the highest levels of decision-making. The Chief Nurse also has a significant role in operational leadership of our complex hospital system.

The role reports to the Group Director of Operations, with a professional reporting relationship to the National Chief Nurse, this role is a key member of both the District Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team.

As Chief Nurse, you will lead the strategic direction of nursing services across the district, championing excellence in clinical practice, patient safety, quality improvement, workforce development, service planning, and clinical governance. You will play a critical role in shaping and delivering high-quality, equitable healthcare outcomes for the communities we serve.

Working in close partnership with clinical and operational leaders, you will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while supporting the ongoing transformation of New Zealand’s health system.

This is a unique opportunity to influence healthcare delivery at scale and make a lasting impact on the nursing profession, our workforce, and the health outcomes of New Zealanders.

View the position description here.

About the Team/Service

At Te Toka Tumai Auckland, we’re not just hiring — we’re building the future.

Aotearoa’s health system is in an exciting period of transformation, underpinned by the vision of Pae Ora / Healthy Futures. Together, we’re creating a more equitable, accessible, and people-centred health system that works for everyone.

As the largest hospital group within Health New Zealand, Te Toka Tumai Auckland provides the full range of clinical services, treating patients from around the northern region and across the country. Te Toka Tumai delivers services via is a network of hospitals, complex specialist services, community teams and regional clinical partnerships. The District Chief Nurse plays a critical leadership role in influencing both local and national priorities for nursing and healthcare delivery. The District Chief Nurse is also directly involved in the daily operations of our 1400 bed hospital system.

About you

You will bring extensive experience as a professional nursing leader, with a strong focus on quality of care, alternative workforce models. As a senior healthcare leader in complex environments, you will also have strengths in hospital operations, leading high performing teams, financial management, change leadership, and system improvement.

You will foster a culture of togetherness, innovation, performance, and transparency, while effectively managing budgets and navigating financial challenges.

With a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, you will lead in a way that engages teams, sets clear priorities, and drives high performance. Your ability to manage complexity and risk will ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality services.

About the location

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city of over 1.5 million people and offers an outstanding lifestyle, combining world-class healthcare, diverse communities, vibrant culture, and easy access to beaches, islands, and outdoor activities.

For more information on living and working in Auckland click here.

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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Belinda Peddie – belinda.peddie@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as they are received and may progress suitable candidates through the recruitment process prior to the closing date. Health New Zealand reserves the right to close this advertisement early should a suitable candidate be identified or a sufficient number of applications be received.