Portfolio Lead, Service Improvement - Te Waipounamu - Hauora Māori Service
Four roles based in Te Waipounamu
Full-time, permanent positions
Be part of the team of Mātauranga Māori specialists for Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to five million New Zealanders.
We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations - from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.
Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.
About the role
The Portfolio Lead supports the Service Improvement team by contributing to the development and delivery of regional health programmes, including:
Early Start (Kahu Taurima, Maternity, Infants, Adolescents)
Living Well (Primary and Community Care, Public Health, Hospital and Specialist Services)
Staying Well (Mental Health, Workforce, Iwi/Māori Relations)
The role also works closely with Senior and Principal Portfolio Leads to strengthen project management capability and foster strategic relationships that advance health outcomes for Māori communities.
About the Team/Service
As the Hauora Māori Service of Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora our core role is to ensure New Zealanders have better and more timely access to healthcare. The devolution of resources and decision making to the regions ensures those closest to service users and whānau are involved in decisions on how healthcare is delivered. We are committed to ensuring our operating model is responsive to the needs of Māori.
About you
You bring experience working in the health sector preferably with a focus on Māori health. With a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, you collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders to drive meaningful outcomes. Your proven track record in systems improvement and workforce planning has contributed significantly to enhancing Māori capability and wellbeing.
You will have:
a tertiary or relevant qualification in a related field
a minimum of two to three years of experience in a similar role within a large organisation
exceptional communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills
experience in the health sector (considered an advantage).
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 Wednesday, 29 October 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong zerissa.ong@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website.
Whilst Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.
