National Clinical Network Co-Lead - Diabetes - Clinical Leadership at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• We are now seeking expressions of interest for a Co-Lead for the Mahitahi Matehuka | Diabetes National Clinical Network
• Contribute to transforming the future of health
• Be based in any part of Aotearoa NZ
• Applications are open until 15 July 2026

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

Be part of Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora's journey to create a more cohesive, accessible and people-centred health system. This is mahi that will improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in Aotearoa, and we've got an opportunity for you to be part of it.

National Clinical Networks are a vital clinical enabler in the health system we are building. They involve health professions from across the system working with whānau and consumers to influence how we prioritise, drive system change, and remove unwarranted variation through the development of national standards and models of care. Clinicians across the motu have a critical role to play in shaping the new health system, ensuring we embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi as fundamental to the mahi we provide, address inequities that are within our system and deliver improved outcomes for the whānau and communities we serve. Te Pae Tata identifies the establishment of national networks as a key step in removing unwarranted variations in access to care, waiting times and clinical practice.

Mahitahi Matehuka | Diabetes National Clinical Network will be led by dedicated Clinical Co-Leads and consist of a broader National Clinical Network membership to deliver improved outcomes for patients and whānau.

The National Clinical Network Co-Lead is a funded position to 0.2 FTE. The term of the Co-Lead roles is two years, and you may be based in any part of Aotearoa NZ. You will be supported by a wider programme team to deliver on the work programme of the National Clinical Network.

The Expression of Interest process for appointment to a National Clinical Network Co-Lead is:

1. Provide a cover letter setting out your interest in the position.
2. Submit a short (max 2 pages) resume of your career highlights as it pertains to your experience and your understanding of the burden of disease associated with diabetes
3. Candidates have clinical experience in working with Pacific communities
4. Diabetes career and your leadership experience.
5. Applicants who are shortlisted for interview may be asked to submit a short power point presentation. Further details of this will be provided after shortlisting.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with a panel by video conference.

About the Service

National Clinical Networks are essential for the new health system, involving health professionals and whānau to drive system change and develop national standards. Clinicians play a crucial role in embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, addressing inequities, and improving outcomes. The establishment of these networks is key to removing variations in clinical practice and access to care, as identified in Te Pae Tata. More information on the National Clinical Networks can found be on the Health New Zealand website: national-clinical-networks.

About you

A practicing clinician with expertise in supporting people and their whānau, aiga, famili, kopu tangata and magafaoa with diabetes.

• Be a practising clinician who provides local &/or regional professional and clinical leadership for diabetes
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, including a deep understanding of the disproportionate impact of diabetes on Māori and Pacific peoples, and the ability to translate this into meaningful service improvement
• Be invested in your own cultural competency & enact Te Tiriti, holding the National Clinical Network and wider health system to account for achieving equitable outcomes for Māori
• Be an approachable, collaborative leader ensuring the people you work with feel heard and empowered
• Use your broad understanding of health systems and your professional and contextual knowledge to bring sector insights and understanding to the Diabetes National Clinical Network
• Be highly connected to inter-professional teams and the wider sector with the credibility and capability to be a ‘leader of leaders'
• Recognise the skills and contribution of our kaimahi at all parts of the patient pathway in your speciality
• Be committed to eliminating unwarranted variation and pursuing equity in health care across the motu and utilising your communication, negotiating and influencing skills to build consensus amongst stakeholders

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who bring lived experience of Pacific communities or have a demonstrated commitment to improving health outcomes for Pacific peoples.

Working for 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, 15 July 2026. If you would like more information on this opportunity you are welcome to contact Pauline Sanders, National Chief for Pacific Health by email Pauline.Sanders@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz