Takawaenga - Perinatal Mental Health

• Waiora CBD, 87 Alexandra Street, Hamilton
• Fulltime position – 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday during office hours)
• An opportunity to establish this new Takawaenga role and to incorporate your knowledge and experience of Te Ao Maaori, Te Reo Maaori, Tikanga Maaori, into practice to enhance the lives of Waahine Maaori and their whaanau during their pregnancy and in the post-natal period.

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

As Takawaenga you will:

• Provide Maaori Cultural guidance and input into the multidisciplinary team that will inform the assessment, care and recovery planning of Tangata whaiora Maaori and their whanau.
• Support the development and implementation of a culturally led, clinically underpinned service delivery approach consistent with Waiora and Tikanga best practice standards to support a culturally responsive service that best meet the needs of tangata whaiora Maaori and their whaanau, hapū and key stakeholders.
• Support engagement with Maaori community providers and Iwi.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

Based in Hamilton, our multi-disciplinary team provide a community-based secondary mental health service across the Waikato to tangata whaiora who experience moderate to severe mental health-related challenges during pregnancy and the post-partum period. We are committed to making a difference with tangata whaiora and their whaanau through working in partnership to create kotahitanga.

You will be part of a team that aims to provide a supportive environment including supervision, mentoring and professional development.

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

• Tertiary qualification/ degree in Māori Studies or Health professional qualification and/or equivalent experience within Kaupapa Māori systems.
• Experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action and a commitment to equitable outcome for our whaanau.
• Proficiency in Te Reo Maaori me ona Tikanga.
• Experience working with Whaanau Maaori.
• Full NZ driver's licence.
• Proficiency in computer skills.

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 12 October 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Heidi Steyn on +64 7 839 8886.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.