Clinical Nurse Specialist - Hepatobiliary

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent – 72 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

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated registered nurse to join our growing Hepatobiliary (HPB) Service as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

The HPB CNS provides expert clinical nursing leadership and coordination for patients undergoing investigation, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management within the HPB service.

Working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, the CNS will:

• Coordinate complex diagnostic and treatment pathways.
• Provide advanced clinical assessment and support.
• Deliver patient and whānau-centred care and education.
• Facilitate timely access to investigations and treatment.
• Support inpatient and outpatient care coordination.
• Lead nurse-led initiatives and clinics.
• Work closely with surgical, oncology, radiology, and allied health teams.
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives.

This role is integral to maintaining strong performance against Faster Cancer Treatment (FCT) targets and ensuring patients receive seamless and responsive care throughout their journey.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

The HPB service manages patients with complex and fast-progressing hepatobiliary cancers and conditions, requiring high levels of coordination, clinical expertise, and compassionate care. Due to significant growth in service demand, this role has become an essential part of delivering safe, timely, and equitable care across the patient journey.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

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

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A current annual practicing certificate.
• Significant senior nursing experience (>5 years) within surgical, oncology, gastroenterology, or related acute services.
• Demonstrated clinical leadership and advanced assessment skills.
• Excellent communication and care coordination abilities.
• A passion for improving patient experience and outcomes.
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Postgraduate nursing qualification.

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 26 May 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.