Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Mental Health & Addictions Service
Full time / part time roles available – up to 40 hours per week
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.
The Mental Health & Addiction Services are offering a rare opportunity for a Nurse Practitioner to join our community Adult or Child & Adolescent teams. We will consider a Clinical Nurse Specialist with evidence of progressing on the Nurse Practitioner Pathway.
About the role
As the Nurse Practitioner (NP) you will deliver independent, accessible and high quality effective nursing care that is fully integrated with other mental health and addiction services including the primary sector and hospital & specialist services. The NP will provide clinical leadership and expertise for improved outcomes, focused on transition points. This is more than a senior clinical role—it is an opportunity to drive service excellence, champion innovative practice, and ensure that every person in our care receives the best possible recovery in their mental health journey. If you thrive on transforming complex clinical landscapes with a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable people, this is your next career-defining move.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to significantly reduce the need for Senior Medical Officer cover in the following areas of greatest need:
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry with a focus on seamless care across the community and in-patient continuum
- Early intervention particularly for adolescents and young adults with first presentation psychosis
- Adult Psychiatry with a focus on primary liaison and transition
The roles may extend over the entire Lakes area. It is essential that applicants are based within the region as the role is not suitable for remote work.
About the Team/Service/ Location
Te Ara Tauwhirotanga model of care we are proud of, is the product of extensive co-design with over 400 participants from the Lakes DHB community and the three central Pou (Pillars) of the model guides service improvement:
- Tangata (People) - We are a world first in implementing Feedback informed treatment (FIT) on an in-patient unit and we are in the process of rolling this out to all services. This well researched and evidenced based approach is proven in creating a strong therapeutic alliance, is person-centred and Whānau-inclusive to bring hope and recovery, which means greater job satisfaction. So come and join us!
- Tikanga (Values) - we are committed to embracing Te Ao Māori in all levels of service delivery including access to te reo Māori classes. You fully support and encourage training opportunities to assist you in expanding the range of Te Ao Māori treatment modalities for healing and recovery. We critically reflect on our approach to ensure we honour the articles and Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Taiao (Environment) - we are deliberate about service delivery to improve outcomes for Māori. We are on track to move into our new fit-for-purpose building by in the first half of 2026. The Lakes area is the perfect playground for family, adventure sports and relaxation. We are not sold on the 40-hour work-week, because we know that’s not for everyone! So we are open to discuss flexible hours and part-time options.
For more information on living and working in Rotorua click here
About you
To succeed in this exciting new role, you will need to:
- be a Registered Nurse Practitioner with a valid Annual Practicing Certificate
- hold relevant post graduate qualifications in addictions or are willing to work towards post graduate qualifications
- have the ability to successfully engage and empathise with families/whānau in a positive manner
- demonstrate knowledge and application of NZ health strategies.
Click here for Position Description
Click here for Collective Agreement (if applicable)
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 before end of posting date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ann-Maree Voss via Annmaree.Voss@lakesdhb.govt.nz. The selection process starts from the date of advertising. Due to the fast-paced nature of our roles, the vacancy close date may be subject to change.