Community Mental Health Nurse - Acute Response Team - Rural South

• Rural South - Based in Te Awamutu – covering Tokoroa, Te Kuiti and Taumarunui
• Permanent - full time 80 hours per fortnight working 1pm to 9pm Monday to Friday

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

This is a diverse and rewarding opportunity for an experienced Registered Mental Health Nurse to join our Acute Response Team. In this role, you will provide urgent mental health assessment and intervention to people experiencing acute distress, working across home environments, community settings, local Emergency Departments, and Police stations.

Reporting to the Charge Nurse Manager and Associate Charge Nurse Manager, you will undertake comprehensive mental health and risk assessments, develop collaborative recovery and safety plans, and provide timely crisis intervention. You will utilise your clinical expertise and sound judgement to support whai ora and their whānau during periods of heightened need.

The position is primarily based in Te Awamutu; however, travel may be required to Tokoroa, Te Kūiti, or Taumarunui depending on service demand and the location of crisis presentations.

If you are an innovative clinician who can think on your feet, respond quickly in dynamic situations, and bring a positive, can-do attitude, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a dedicated and supportive team making a real difference in our rural communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of people experiencing acute mental health distress and develop timely, effective intervention and safety plans.
• Communicate clearly and collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), Emergency Department staff, and Police to ensure coordinated care.
• Act as a Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) and undertake Section 8B assessments in accordance with the Mental Health Act.
• Practice in a tangata whaiora and whānau-centred manner, advocating for best practice and culturally responsive care.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Acute Response Team (ART) sits within the Rural South Community Mental Health and Addictions Service. ART is a newly established team designed to strengthen after-hours crisis response across our rural communities. The team will consist of four clinicians dedicated to crisis assessment, intervention, and short-term follow-up support to ensure safe and responsive care.

Mental Health and Addictions Services across the Waikato district provide a comprehensive range of specialist services. We are committed to making a meaningful difference for tāngata whai ora and their whānau by working in partnership to achieve kotahitanga (unity and collective action).

Our service has a strong recovery focus and is committed to culturally responsive practice. We actively uphold and apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in our work, ensuring equity, partnership, and participation are embedded in how we deliver care.

About Waikato

The Waikato region is a dynamic mix of stunning scenery and cultural richness, providing a variety of experiences for every age. Whether you're catching epic surf, discovering breathtaking underground wonders, or immersing yourself in the magic of a famous movie landscape, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Holds current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and has solid clinical experience in mental health, including crisis intervention.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and integrating Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches into healthcare practice.
• Is confident in conducting assessments and interventions in high-pressure situations and can respond quickly and safely to people in acute distress.
• Be able to provide short-term care pathways colloaboratively with the wider MDT

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 April 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Whitney Senior-Partridge at Whitney,Senior-Partridge@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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