Trainer & Quality Specialist (Specialist Radiation Therapist)
Location: Northland, Whangārei
Te Pūriri o Te Ora – Regional Cancer and Blood Service
Help build capability and embed quality excellence in Northland’s brand-new Radiation Oncology service.
About the Role:
This is a unique opportunity, you will play a pivotal role in shaping both workforce capability and the quality framework of the Whangārei Radiation Oncology unit.
We are seeking an experienced RT with, ideally, recent clinical experience on treatment, CT and planning.
- Some acting up, senior/specialist experience and/or training and tutor experience are an advantage.
- Previous clinical experience utilising Truebeam, Siemens CT, contrast delivery, SGRT, and Raystation are an advantage.
Can suit either full-time or part-time candidates 0.6-1.0 FTE
The expected allocation of your time and resource is Training (0.6 FTE) | Quality Specialist (0.2 FTE), 0.2 FTE staff RT rostered, or part time is an option for discussion.
We are looking for radiation therapists who can bring their experience coaching, teaching and training colleagues, and providing a focus on quality and safety initiatives that support a new team of approximately 15 RTs and a couple of students.
Training Component (0.6 FTE)
You will:
- Utilise your clinical experience working in CT, planning and treatment to provide side-by-side coaching across Pre-Treatment (CT & Planning) and Treatment.
- Work collaboratively with senior and specialist RTs to implement development plans and provide upskilling for staff as we implement a variety of clinical workflows in our new department.
- Deliver structured training for ongoing staff roster changes and the student program, ensuring performance plans are in place and progress is regularly monitored.
- Work in partnership with colleagues in Auckland to develop and maintain training resources and consistency of practice across both departments.
This training component balances clinical workload with dedicated education responsibilities and ensures high standards of practice from day one.
Quality Component (0.2 FTE)
You will:
- Bring your knowledge and experience modelling safe practice and quality of care to contribute to leadership of the Radiation Oncology Quality Programme
- Collaborate regionally to ensure consistency across sites
- Be able to implement auditing and quality improvement initiatives
- Contribute to risk management and quality governance processes
This role utilises your skills and experience to embed a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and innovation in a newly established department.
About You
You will have:
- A recognised Radiation Therapy qualification
- MRTB registration with APC and no scope conditions
- Minimum 4–5 years’ relevant clinical experience
- Experience in staff training or student supervision
- Strong knowledge of quality systems and improvement
- Experience in audit, risk management, or quality initiatives
- A strong commitment to Māori health gain, equity, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles
You will be passionate about developing people and strengthening systems.
Why Join Us?
This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to build a service from the ground up in a state-of-the-art facility featuring:
- Varian TrueBeam with HyperSight and SGRT
- Siemens SOMATOM X.cite CT
- RayStation TPS
- ARIA Oncology Information System
About the Team/Service/Location:
The new Whangārei Radiation Oncology service is part of Te Pūriri o Te Ora Regional Cancer and Blood Service, delivering around 48,000 radiation treatments annually across the Northern Region. The new Whangārei unit will bring advanced cancer care closer to home, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to Auckland.
The centre will feature a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator with HyperSight and SGRT, an additional bunker enabling future expansion, a Siemens SOMATOM X.cite CT scanner, and the ARIA Oncology Information System. An on-site Planning team will utilise the state-of-the-art RayStation Treatment Planning System to support treatment planning and delivery across a range of techniques, including DIBH, EBRT, IGRT, SGRT, VMAT, and stereotactic radiotherapy.
You’ll work alongside a supportive and collaborative team of Radiation Therapists, Radiation Oncologists, Medical Physicists, and support staff. The service has strong academic links, advanced technology, and opportunities to engage in teaching, research, and quality improvement projects.
About Te Pūriri o Te Ora -Kia ora from our team!
Te Pūriri o Te Ora is the name that has been gifted to our northern regional cancer and blood services by Kahurangi Rangimārie Naida Glavish of Ngāti Whātua, Chief Advisor Tikanga for Te Toka Tumai Auckland. Te Pūriri o Te Ora means "the Pūriri tree of wellbeing" and speaks to the many qualities and gifts of the Pūriri tree and our aspiration to provide a place of healing and wellbeing for our communities.
Te Pūriri o Te Ora is the biggest cancer and blood service within Aotearoa, providing care to approximately 40% of the country. We provide a wide range of services including Medical and Radiation Oncology, Haematology, Āwhinatia Te Tangata (specialist Māori Health team), Cancer Support Team (specialist psychological and social support), Research, Genetics Services, and the NZ Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Service.
The values that underpin the way we care and work with patients, whānau and kaimahi across Te Pūriri o Te Ora are Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga, Āhurutanga, Mana Motuhake and Wairuatanga.
Like the diversity of birdlife that occupy the Pūriri tree, we look for and welcome applications from all whānau including our Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities.
- We hope that you will join us in our collective commitment to manaaki and serve all who call upon us for their cancer care, and help provide a common place of protection, nurture, healing and enduring strength for all. Kia ora!
- For more information about the story of Te Pūriri o Te Ora click here
- For more information on living and working in Tāmaki Makaurau click here.
Why you will Enjoy Working Here
Northland is known as the “winterless north”, with a subtropical climate, stunning beaches, and a relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re single or with family, there are endless ways to enjoy the outdoors – swimming, sailing, surfing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or diving are all on your doorstep.
Short commutes mean more time to enjoy your interests, and you’ll benefit from a welcoming community, affordable housing, and excellent schools. Auckland is just a two-hour drive or a short flight away, giving you the best of both worlds.
This is more than just a job: it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference, grow your career, and be part of an exciting new chapter in one of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand.
Discover more about life in Northland here: NorthlandNZ
For more information about these opportunities, please contact:
- Matthew Birkett, Radiation Therapy Head – matthewb@adhb.govt.nz
- Nicola Gordon, RT Professional Leader – nicolago@adhb.govt.nz
- Prashika Poonam RT Clinical Team Leader PrashikaP@adhb.govt.nz
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 serve 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. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jade Cowley (Recruitment Consultant) jade.cowley@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
