Senior Portfolio Lead, Funding & Planning - Te Tai Tokerau me Tāmaki Makaurau - Hauora Māori Service at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Full-time, permanent position
• Te Tai Tokerau me Tāmaki Makaurau | Northern Region

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 Senior Portfolio Lead – Funding & Planning collaborates with peers to implement national strategies, plans, and directives related to commissioning, contract management, and service delivery, while ensuring appropriate regional and locality-based customisation. They play a key role in supporting Hauora Māori partners to deliver integrated services to whānau across localities. With a strong focus on wellbeing, prevention, and addressing the social determinants of health, they help maintain a consistent and visible emphasis on improving outcomes for Māori communities.

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

You bring strong experience in commissioning, contract management, and service delivery within the health or social services sectors. With a solid understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, you collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders to drive meaningful and equitable outcomes. You also demonstrate strategic planning capabilities, particularly in translating national directives into impactful regional and local implementation.

You will have:

• A diploma-level qualification or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Strong understanding of health planning, particularly within a place-based approach and collective impact frameworks, especially in health and disability service models.
• Proven expertise in engaging with iwi, hapū, marae, Māori communities, and other key stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of the New Zealand Health Reforms and the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022.
• Understanding of the application and integration of mātauranga Māori in workplace practices and service delivery. 

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 20 January 2026. 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 kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.