Mental Health Assistants - Forensic Inpatient wards

• Puawai forensic service - Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre (HRBC), Waikato Hospital
• Full time, part time and casual positions available - rostered shift work

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 looking for individuals who can support our taangata whaiora and their whaanau during their admission period in our medium secure forensic wards. 

Maaori are significantly represented across our services, which is why we are moving towards becoming a ‘culturally led, clinically underpinned’ service. Delivering excellent care in a culturally responsive manner, to support the best outcomes for Maaori is fundamental to our mahi.

Responsibilities of the role:

• To report observed changes in tangata whaiora’s health status to the registered health professional.
• To have an understanding of potential/ actual risk factors and how to de-escalate and escalate to ensure the safety of our tāngata whaiora.
• To apply culturally safe principles in the workplace.

These roles offer an opportunity to work as part of a dynamic and passionate team in our forensic in-patient mental health environments. There are opportunities to work in either acute or rehabilitation areas and there are also casual positions available in our mental health bureau team.

Candidates with a good understanding of Te Ao Maaori and the ability to support our Maaori tangata whaiora through a strong Te Ao Maaori lens will be prioritised for interview. 

Click here to view the position description.

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

• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• 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. 
• A passion for making a difference to the lives of our tangata whaiora and whanau.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.

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 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at amanda.lewis-wilson@waikatodhb.health.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.