Clinical Nurse Specialist - Puna Taunaki/Puna Whiti

• 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

We currently have a rare opportunity for a Clinical Nurse Specialist within our minimum secure Puawai rehabilitation units.

Puna Taunaki, Puna Whiti Tahi and Puna Whiti Rua are stand-alone units located on Waikato Hospital campus near the Hockin building; they have 15 beds between them and cater for waahine and taane whaiora.

These units share the same resources and multi- disciplinary team.  The focus is on community integration, social inclusion and re-connecting with whanau and loved ones.

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 to 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 22 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at Amanda.Lewis-Wilson@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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