Registered Nurse - START

• Taumarunui or Hamilton location
• Permanent part-time - 32 hours rostered per fortnight
• On call or weekend service where cover is required.

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 Taumarunui, 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 Taumarunui

Taumarunui Hospital provides essential 24/7 emergency services and supports high-acuity patients through air and road ambulance retrievals to Waikato Hospital for complex care. The hospital also offers a range of specialty outpatient clinics with senior visiting doctors, as well as general laboratory and radiology diagnostics. With a growing number of nurse-led services, Taumarunui Hospital follows the Taumarunui Integrated Health Care model, developed in collaboration with local community and primary health services to ensure coordinated and effective patient care.

Located in the heart of the North Island, Taumarunui is the perfect base for those who love the outdoors. Positioned along the Adventure Highway, the town offers access to some of New Zealand's most breathtaking landscapes, including views of Mt. Ruapehu and the peaceful Wanganui River. Taumarunui is the gateway to Whanganui National Park, Tongariro National Park, and the Pureora Timber Trail, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures like canoeing, jetboating, fishing, mountain biking, and scenic walks. With its blend of natural beauty and adventure, Taumarunui is the ideal location for those looking to build their career while embracing a vibrant, outdoor lifestyle.

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 29 January 2026. 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.