CNS or Registered Nurse Mental Health - Whanganui Prison at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Manawatu-Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mental Health Registered Nurse & Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health

Exciting opportunities to join a growing multi-disciplinary mental health team in the custodial environment.

• Deliver specialised mental health services bridging primary and tertiary care.
• Collaborate with skilled professionals in a healing-focused, multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate dignity and mana in every interaction with those in our care.

We have 2 unique fixed-term positions available.

• 1x One Year Fixed-term position for a CNS Mental Health
• 1x Two Year Fixed-term position for either a Mental Health Registered Nurse or CNS Mental Health
• In your cover letter, please indicate if you are open to either, or both, opportunities.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Are you prepared to embark on an invigorating role within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team?

We are seeking both Mental Health Registered Nurses and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) to deliver specialised mental health services that enhance the wellbeing of those entrusted to our care. From initial triage and assessment to implementing evidence-based treatments, you will play a pivotal role in integrating primary and tertiary mental health services.

You will be part of a dedicated Intervention and Support Practice Team, providing vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in our care. Our teams are committed to expert clinical practice, with a strong emphasis on Humanising and Healing, and upholding the dignity and mana of all individuals and their whānau.

We welcome applications from nurses at different stages of their mental health career, offering opportunities at both Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist levels.

Professional registration is required, applicants are asked to apply using the name that appears on their registration record with the relevant professional body. Please ensure your application details align with your registration to avoid delays in verification.

Key Responsibilities

Registered Nurse Mental Health

• Deliver direct mental health care including triage, assessment and intervention
• Provide evidence-based nursing care for people with acute and complex needs
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Support continuity of care across primary and specialist services

Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health

• Provide advanced clinical expertise in mental health nursing practice
• Lead clinical decision-making and complex case management
• Support and mentor nursing staff within the team
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives

Mōu | About you

Registered Nurse

• Registered Nurse with a current Nursing Council of New Zealand APC
• Experience working in mental health nursing
• Ability to work with people experiencing acute and complex needs
• Strong cultural competence, including application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Registered Nurse with a current APC
• Typically, 5+ years' experience in mental health nursing
• Demonstrated specialist clinical expertise
• Experience in leadership, mentoring or supporting staff development
• Postgraduate qualification in mental health (or working towards) preferred

For both roles you will also demonstrate:

• Understanding of professional, ethical and legislative requirements in a custodial setting
• Experience working with Māori, whānau and iwi
• Commitment to culturally safe practice and improving equitable outcomes

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range for Registered Nurse is $77,829 - $108,874. The salary range for Clinical Nurse Specialist is $116,306 - $123,873. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Pae Ora leads the delivery of patient-focused primary health and mental health care services to tangata within corrections facilities across Aotearoa.

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

You can find out more about us here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Applications Close 11pm Tuesday, 30 June 2026.

To apply and view the position description, click the application link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV/Resume and Cover Letter describing your motivation for joining our department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page or email quentin.campbell@corrections.govt.nz.