Registered Nurse - Operating Theatres

• Waikato Hospital - Hamilton
• Permanent - one 1.0 FTE and one 0.90 FTE available
• Fantastic opportunity for an experienced Theatre Nurse to work in our Gynaecology, Delivery Suite and Plastic Surgery theatres

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 passionate and experienced Registered Nurses with specialist operating theatre experience in either Gynaecology and Delivery Suite Theatres, or Plastics Surgery Theatres, to join our vibrant and fast-paced perioperative team at Waikato Hospital.

As the largest hospital campus in New Zealand and a leading tertiary hospital, Waikato Hospital is the regional referral centre for the Midlands region. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, caring for patients undergoing a broad range of surgical procedures while contributing to the delivery of safe, high-quality care.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Theatres and Anaesthesia service at Waikato Hospital comprises 24 Operating Theatres, a Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU), and a Day of Surgery Admission Unit (DOSA). We provide services across a wide range of specialties including Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Vascular, Cardiac, Urology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, ENT, Plastics, Paediatrics, Delivery Suite, Gynaecology, Maxillofacial and more.

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

As a Registered Nurse within our perioperative services, you will be required to have:

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years' post-registration operating theatre nursing experience in either Gynaecology and Delivery Suite surgery and/or Plastics Surgery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of specialist surgical instrumentation, equipment and perioperative practices relevant to your area of expertise.
• A strong understanding of infection prevention, aseptic technique and patient safety within the operating theatre environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care.
• Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a current Annual Practising Certificate.

Experience across multiple theatre specialties will be viewed favourably.

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 8th September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kendra Corey at Kendra.Corey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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