Regional Clinical Lead, Mental Health & Addiction - Te Waipounamu - Hauora Māori Service (New Zealand)
Full-time, permanent position
Based in Te Waipounamu, South Island
Be part of the team of Mātauranga Māori specialists for Health New Zealand
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 Regional Clinical Lead – Mental Health & Addiction, you'll play a key role in shaping the delivery of Hauora Māori services. You'll provide clinical leadership and operational support to ensure services are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and responsive to the needs of whānau.
Working in partnership with planning and funding teams, hospital services, and Māori health providers, you'll help design and deliver whānau-centred models of care that reflect Māori values and aspirations. Your leadership will strengthen connections across the system and ensure that mental health and addiction services are integrated, culturally safe, and clinically excellent.
Your leadership will influence:
Regional service delivery and clinical excellence in mental health and addiction
Integration of Māori models of care
Strong partnerships across clinical disciplines and operational teams
About the Team/Service
The Hauora Māori Service within Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is a driving force for equity and excellence. Our regionalised model ensures decisions are made close to whānau, empowering communities and improving access to care. By devolving resources and decision-making to the regions, we ensure those closest to service users are shaping how healthcare is delivered. We are committed to a system that is responsive to Māori aspirations and grounded in Te Ao Māori.
About you
You're a proven leader in mental health and addiction, with a deep understanding of Māori health and a commitment to equity. You bring strategic insight, clinical expertise, and a collaborative spirit that strengthens partnerships and drives transformation.
You have experience leading regional mental health and addiction services, fostering a culture of connectedness, continuous improvement, and high-quality care. You work in partnership with other clinical disciplines and operational leaders to deliver safe, integrated services that respond to what matters most to whānau.
You'll work closely with other Regional Clinical Leads – Mental Health & Addiction across the motu and collaborate with the Chief Clinical Officer – Mental Health & Addiction, Hauora Māori Service to improve outcomes for Māori.
You'll bring:
A tertiary or relevant qualification in Mental Health & Addiction
A current New Zealand practising certificate and a Professional Development Recognition Portfolio (PDRP)
8+ years of senior leadership and advisory experience
Proven Māori leadership experience and the ability to influence senior decision-makers
Why Join Us?
At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, we're building a health system that reflects the communities we serve. We value diversity and welcome applications from Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
Applications close: 12 September 2025
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 Zerissa Ong on zerissa.ong@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.
