Kaitakawaenga - Emergency Department

• Kaitakawaenga । Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier’s Hospital
• 2 x Fixed - Term for positions available – hours negotiable
• Provide cultural support, advocacy and manaakitanga to Māori patients and whānau during some of their most critical moments.
• This is a meaningful opportunity to support whānau Māori in the Emergency Department, ensuring their voices are heard, their cultural needs are respected, and their healthcare journey is mana ‑ enhancing. You’ll be part of a dedicated team committed to improving equity, strengthening relationships, and delivering care that reflects Kaupapa Māori values.

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

As a Kaitakawaenga (Māori Cultural Advisor) in the Emergency Department, you will support Māori patients and their whānau by providing cultural guidance, advocacy and connection throughout their ED stay. You’ll work closely with ED clinicians, Māori Health colleagues and other hospital services to ensure culturally safe, respectful and empowering care.

Your responsibilities include daily visits to Māori patients in ED, supporting whānau with information and navigation, addressing barriers to care, advocating on their behalf, and ensuring they understand their rights and options. You will also help staff incorporate manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and aroha into their practice, and contribute to service improvement and equity initiatives.

This fixed ‑ term role is ideal for someone who is confident in te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, passionate about hauora Māori, and skilled in whānau engagement during times of stress and uncertainty.

Please click here to view the position description

About the Team/Service/ Location

You will be part of the Emergency Department team at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldier Memorial Hospital, working alongside ED nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and support staff. While you will collaborate closely with Māori Health (Kaitakawaenga) colleagues, this role is embedded within the Emergency Department, supporting Māori patients and their whānau directly in the acute care environment.

For more information on living and working in Hawke’s Bay click HERE

About you

You are empathetic, confident in te ao Māori, and able to support whānau with care and integrity. You will have:

• NCEA Level 2 or equivalent.
• A recognised Māori cultural qualification (e.g., Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga).
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in Māori health, community, marae ‑ based, or social service environments.
• Fluency in te reo Māori and ability to confidently apply tikanga.
• Strong communication and relationship ‑ building skills.
• Ability to advocate for whānau in a mana ‑ enhancing way.
• Confidence with digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Zoom, messaging platforms).
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equitable outcomes.

Desired:

• Experience working in healthcare or patient advocacy settings.
• Familiarity with hauora Māori frameworks such as Pae Ora and Te Whare Tapa Whā.
• Experience integrating Te Tiriti principles in practice.

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 now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 1^st May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Dawn Tyler । dawn.tyler@hbdhb.govt.nz

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.