Dietitian - Inpatient

• Waikato Hospital
• Inpatient Wards
• Permanent, full- or part-time options will be considered

Join our dedicated dietetic team for the opportunity to work alongside our clients throughout their health journey.

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

We are seeking a dedicated, team focused dietitian, preferably with acute hospital experience, to provide dietetic interventions for acutely unwell patients admitted to Waikato Hospital inpatient wards.

Working in partnership with the multidisciplinary team, you will support patients when they are most unwell. This role suits someone who truly understands the importance of compassionate, collaborative care.

This is a 40 hour per week permanent position where you will work Monday to Friday. There is a requirement for staff to be on the weekend/public holiday on call roster – this can be discussed further at the interview. Part time options will also be considered for suitable candidates. Please note hours can be subject to change.

At Waikato, we are committed to professional growth and service development. We welcome team members with a range of experience who are passionate about expanding their expertise and contributing to the ongoing improvement of our dietetic services.

Ideally, we are seeking an experienced dietitian with acute hospital experience; however, applications from new graduate dietitians with relevant clinical placements are welcome.

As part of a close‑knit team, you will receive regular supervision, ongoing professional development opportunities, and support to build your skills and areas of interest.

If you enjoy variety, new challenges, and want to be part of an interdisciplinary team, we look forward to hearing from you.

Key responsibilities:

• Undertake comprehensive nutrition assessment.
• Facilitate effective nutrition education and counselling, including self-management strategies to encourage active health participation.
• Work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care and facilitate coordinated treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, progress notes, and treatment plans, in compliance with health regulations and confidentiality standards.
• Participate in ongoing professional development through training, workshops, and staying updated with the latest dietetic practices and evidence-based research to ensure high-quality patient care.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

Our dietetic team includes approximately thirty dietitians and three dietitian assistants working across acute, community, outpatient and renal services. Our Waikato dietetic service covers a large geographical area; we provide care at Waikato Hospital, a large tertiary teaching hospital, as well in our smaller rural hospitals: Tokoroa, Taumarunui, Te Kuiti and Thames Hospitals.

We are committed to providing equitable care and improving health outcomes for our diverse population. We value our welcoming and supportive environment and are brought together by a shared vision of ‘improving health through food and nutrition’.

Allied Health is a department that provides Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Dietetic, Audiology & Newborn Hearing screening, Social Work, and Psychology services. Staff within these professions provide direct client care across a wide range of situations, working to enhance the health and wellbeing of the people they support. Allied Health staff work in partnership with individuals and their family/whānau to facilitate relationships and a smooth journey through the healthcare system.

About you

Required skills and attributes

• New Zealand Dietitians Board registration and current annual practicing certificate (or in the process of obtaining), with Dietitians Prescriber status.
• A commitment to achieving excellent health outcomes and empathetic patient care.
• An ability to work autonomously.
• A strong team focus, and excellent communication and inter-personal skills.
• A full clean New Zealand driver’s license.
• Cultural competence and a commitment to cultural safety and equity:
  • Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application in healthcare.
  • Awareness of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches—or a willingness to learn

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 15 April 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kaitlin Basson at Kaitlin.Basson@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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