Group Manager - Mauri Ora - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, All Locations

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Lead nationally significant alcohol and other drugs health promotion programmes that improve health and wellbeing outcomes
• Drive strategic planning, inform policy, and evidence-based approaches across the public health system
• Inspire and develop a high-performing team while building strong partnerships across the health sector

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

As the Group Manager Alcohol and other drugs you will provide strategic leadership for national health promotion initiatives that improve wellbeing and reduce alcohol and other drugs related harm across Aotearoa. This role is responsible for leading the design, planning and delivery of innovative, evidence-informed programmes that drive equitable health outcomes, strengthen communities, and support the priorities of Health New Zealand and the National Public Health Service.

This role has a significant accountability for the management of the alcohol levy, which is determined annually and negotiated with the Ministry of Health. 

Working in partnership with Māori, Pacific, community and sector stakeholders, you will champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, embed equity at the centre of decision-making, and influence public health policy and practice at a national level. Leading a high-performing team, you will foster collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement while ensuring programmes deliver meaningful outcomes for whānau and contribute to achieving Pae Ora – healthy futures for all New Zealanders.

About the Service

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

You are a strategic and values-driven leader with a strong track record of delivering complex programmes, influencing policy, and driving meaningful health outcomes. Passionate about improving equity and wellbeing, you bring the ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups, build trusted relationships, and lead high-performing teams through change. You will be confident navigating complexity, applying a Te Tiriti-led approach, and translating strategy into action that delivers lasting benefits for whānau and communities

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent senior leadership experience
• Proven senior leadership experience within public health, health promotion, government, or a related sector
• Experience developing and delivering strategic programmes, policies, or initiatives that create measurable impact
• Exceptional relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills
• The ability to lead, inspire, and develop diverse teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Strong analytical, planning, and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive results.

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 Thursday, 30 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett via maria.bennett1@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.