Takawaenga (Maori Health Liaison)
- Permanent, full-time role based in Whangārei
- A career with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau will see you action meaningful change in the region we love and in your professional development
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 a Takawaenga to join our supportive team within our Māori Health Directorate, Te Poutokomanawa. The Takawaenga plays a significant role in providing pastoral care to whānau Māori using Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau services. The also tautoko Māori patients throughout their inpatient experience utilising the Takawaenga Whanaungatanga Model.
This role will also tautoko the whānau house team ensuring guests are receiving a level of care that supports their whānau journey.
Click here to view the position description.
About the Team/Service/Location
The Takawaenga Service is dedicated to working with Māori patients admitted and requiring care at Whangarei and rural hospitals of Health New Zealand. We use a Tikanga Māori approach and work alongside patients, whānau and staff to determine what their needs are and ensure the environment is patient/whānau focused and led. We work with our colleagues to ensure the patient/whānau voice is heard and provide cultural support to our staff so they are safe while delivering health care.
For more information on living and working in Northland click here
About you
Our ideal candidate will:
- Be competent in Tikanga and Te Reo Māori
- Have proven experience in working with whānau dynamics in complex situations
- Have the ability to facilitate whānau hui and/or other groups
- Is familiar with whānau ora whanaungatanga modelling
- Have the ability to facilitate the integration of Te Tiriti and Tikanga Māori advice into service delivery
- Be computer literate
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 by 11 January 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Michelle Apetera at NL-Jobs@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
Please note from 20 December 2025 - 4 January 2026, there may be a delay in review of applications.