Takawaenga - Forensic Prison team

• Community Forensics, 40 Clarence Street, Hamilton – covering Spring Hill Corrections Facility, Waikeria Prison, Tongariro Prison
• Permanent – 80 hours per fortnight
• New position pivotal in leading the development and rolling out of this new initiative

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

Reporting to the Charge Nurse Manager for the Forensic Prison Team in collaboration with the General Manager for Takawaenga, you will provide cultural guidance to a multi-disciplinary team (clinical and non-clinical roles) that fosters a culture of mutual respect, safe practice and acknowledges contributions from both cultural and clinical perspectives.

You will encourage and lead innovation and continuous improvement as part of the way we work.

Key responsibilities:

• To provide cultural guidance and advocacy for tangata whaiora and their whanau.
• To provide cultural leadership, education and guidance to a multidisciplinary team, as well as working alongside the charge nurse manager that will support tāngata whaiora and their whānau that fosters a team culture of mutual respect, reciprocity, safe and supportive practice settings.
• Liaising and working alongside Kaimahi across the Waikato, Lakes and Bay of Plenty region, internally and externally, to provide cultural guidance and advocacy for tāngata whaiora and their whānau.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

You will be part of a service and team that is exciting and innovative in its approach at a time when there are a number of changes happening within Puawai Regional Forensic Psychiatric Services & Te Ara Poutama Services.  We provide specialist Forensic mental health services to tane across three prisons (Spring Hill, Waikeria and Tongariro) with close collaboration with Prison Health Services. We also maintain strong relationships and communication with Adult Community Mental Health Services in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty & Lakes regions to support release planning. 

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

Skills and experience you’ll need to be considered for the role:

• Be proficient in te reo me ōna tikanga and te ao Māori or have a strong understanding and commitment.
• Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action.
• Experience with community networking and managing inter-sectoral relationships/partnerships.
• Experience leading teams in the health sector
• Previous involvement in change management processes

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 24 June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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