Registered Nurse - START

• START Tokoroa and surrounding areas
• Hours of work are mostly Monday to Friday 0800-1630 however, there is an on call or weekend service that cover is required.
• Permanent full-time - 80 hours rostered per fortnight

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 require a dynamic Registered Nurse to be responsible for the coordination, assessment, planning, and delegation of patient care, using goal setting and rehabilitation principles. Although this position is based in Tokoroa, the RN may travel to the rural towns within the Waikato DHB area. Fleet vehicle provided.

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the NZNO Collective agreement. Additional benefits include kiwisaver contributions (if eligible), shift allowances, professional development and wellness support.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Service

START (Supported Transfer and Accelerated Rehabilitation Team) is an Older Persons and Rehabilitation led collaborative programme which provides and promotes rehabilitation for patients within their home environment for those over the age of 18 years.

The model for START has been developed with a view to reducing the pressure on hospital beds, through promoting hospital avoidance, earlier discharge, preventing re-admissions and establishing mechanisms to avoid later hospital admission. Equally significant is the impact that such a model has on improving the quality of care for this group of patients. 

About Tokoroa

Tokoroa Hospital is a vital healthcare provider with a 17-bed inpatient ward and an emergency department that handles approximately 14,000 presentations annually. We offer on-site plain film radiology and laboratory services, with 24/7 on-call availability. The emergency department is equipped with a modern point-of-care ultrasound for those eager to use or learn new skills. In addition, we support palliative care services within the community, helping patients remain close to their families. The hospital works in close collaboration with primary care providers, including two General Practices on-site and a third in Tokoroa town, alongside visiting specialists from Waikato Hospital. A four-bed primary birthing unit is also available, led by an experienced charge midwife and team. We pride ourselves on our collaborative relationships with community organisations, including the South Waikato Pacific Island Community NGO and the Raukawa Charitable Trust.

Tokoroa is ideally located as a gateway to the Central North Island’s natural beauty, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation and rich Māori heritage. The town is surrounded by lush bush walks, serene lakes, and scenic reserves, perfect for hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors and locals can explore historic sites like Pokaiwhenua and Hatupatu rock, where ancient Māori legends come to life. Tokoroa is nestled among dairy farmlands and plantation forests, boasting a vibrant community of over 25 nationalities. Whether you prefer water sports or peaceful walks around Lake Moananui and Matarawa Stream, Tokoroa offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal location for both professional growth and personal enjoyment. 

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

The successful applicant will have:

• experience in care of the older person, preferably within the community
• passion for rehabilitation in the community setting
• the ability to lead and coordinate a team
• responsibility for the delegation and direction to health care assistants
• the desire to work within a strong interdisciplinary team
• excellent communication and advocacy skills
• the ability to be on call after hours as part of the roster
• minimum of 5 years nursing experience
• full NZ drivers’ licence
• a current NZ annual practicing certificate

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 5 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rachael Devey at Rachael.Devey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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