Community Mental Health Nurse - Community Forensics

• 40 Clarence Street, Hamilton
• Permanent – 80 hours per fortnight
• Are you interested in working with tangata whaiora to enhance their recovery and rehabilitation journey in the community setting?
• Come and work with a specialist service delivering high quality forensic community mental health care!

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 an exciting opportunity for an experienced community mental health nurse (registered nurse) to join our highly skilled multi-disciplinary team of nurses, occupational therapists, social worker, psychologist and psychiatrist.

We are seeking a team member who is able to engage and empathise with tangata whaiora and their families/whanau in a positive manner. A person who is willing to learn and be guided by clinicians, can think and act with agility and problem solve. A person who builds genuine and positive working relationships with others.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

The Forensic Mental Health Service provides community care and treatment for tangata whaiora who are progressing along the forensic pathway. Our focus is on supporting individuals to remain well, develop independence and to develop their sense of belonging in their community.

Our service has many key relationships, which include, mental health inpatient services, residential providers, Ara Poutama Corrections, accommodation providers and other community services both internal and external to Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

Health NZ will shape the delivery of health services in Aotearoa New Zealand for generations to come and will form the core of a modern and integrated service looking after the needs of all our Whānau.

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

Required skills & experience you will need to be considered for this role:

• Have at least 2 years’ experience as a registered nurse in a mental health setting.
• Hold a current annual practicing certificate with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
• Possess high quality verbal and written communication skills.
• Have a strong ability to efficiently and effectively attend to all facets of managing a client caseload.
• Hold a current full driver’s license.

• Possess knowledge and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to implement this in daily work.
• Working knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it relates to the forensic care pathway would be an asset, but not considered essential as education and training will be provided.

If the prospect of working with other dedicated clinicians excites you and you are a team player, who can use your own initiative and embrace change, then apply now!

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 2 June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ellyn Gooding at Ellyn.Gooding@waikatodhb.health.nz

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