Clinical Nurse Specialist - Puawai Forensic Service
- Puna Maatai – Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre – Waikato Hospital
- Permanent – 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
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) provide clinical expertise to nursing leaders and nurses ensuring health needs of taangata whaiora are identified. The focus is on supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and recovery-focused care for taangata whaiora as part of quality improvement.
The CNS will be a subject matter expert in forensic mental health nursing and provide education and training to kaimahi. It is a senior nurse role within the team and contributes to maintaining a therapeutic environment while supporting the appropriate management of risk and safety.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide specialist nursing care and expertise, both in care delivery and in support of other staff.
- Research, evaluate, develop and implement standards of nursing practice in a forensic setting.
- Lead the development of pathways, protocols and guidelines in forensic mental health nursing.
- Engage and work collaboratively with all stakeholders, particularly taangata whaiora and whānau.
- Support the pursuit of Māori health gains as well as achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori.
Click here to view the position description.
About the Team/Service
Puna Maatai is a 13 bedded forensic acute admission unit that supports some of our most vulnerable and unwell taangata whaiora who can often present with significant risk and complex presentations. Taangata whaiora come to Puna Maatai either via the criminal justice system or Te Ara Poutama (Corrections).
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
- 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.
- Registered Nurse with 3-4 years of clinical experience in forensic mental health setting.
- Completed a post graduate qualification in mental health nursing.
- Ability to complete post graduate studies in forensic mental health.
- Achieved or working towards an expert PDRP level of practice.
- Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness that will allow you to navigate the variety of challenges you could face.
- Ability to role model the Standards of Mental Health Nursing in Aotearoa and preferably a member of Te Ao Maaramatanga NZ College of Mental Health Nurses.
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 12 August 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at amanda.lewis-wilson@waikatodhb.health.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.
