Portfolio Lead, Hauora Maori Standards - Te Waipounamu - Hauora Māori Service
- Full-time, permanent position
- Based in Te Waipounamu | Southern Region
- 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 5 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 Senior Portfolio Lead and Regional Group Manager in strengthening the Māori workforce and advancing the development and implementation of Hauora Māori standards across Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. This role actively contributes regional and local insights to inform national standards development, ensuring that regional perspectives shape national strategies and priorities. It also involves aligning regional initiatives with national objectives and designing region-specific learning outcomes and training metrics that directly enhance patient and whānau experiences and outcomes.
About the Team/Service
As the Hauora Māori Service of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) our core role is to ensure New Zealanders have better and more timely access to health care. 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
The Portfolio Lead should hold a tertiary qualification in health, Māori development, public policy, or a related field, with a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in health contexts. You bring expertise in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement—particularly with Māori partners—and have the capability to design training initiatives that promote health equity and improve outcomes for whānau
You will have:
Experience in advisory or a related field with at least 3-5 years of experience in a similar role within a large organisation Fluency in Tikanga and Te Reo Māori Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft key governance documents and materials Knowledge and practical experience in applying Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches Proven analytical skills and problem-solving skills, with experience in the health sector considered an advantage
You will have:
Experience in advisory or a related field with at least 5-7 years of experience in a similar role within a large organisation Fluency in Tikanga and Te Reo Māori Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft key governance documents and materials Knowledge and practical experience in applying Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches Proven analytical skills and problem-solving skills, with 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 Te Whatu Ora's online careers' portal by 6 January 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on zerissa.ong@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Due to the December holiday period, this advert will remain open for an extended duration. Screening and interviews will commence from mid-January. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting with you in the new year.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.