Principal Portfolio Lead, Funding & Planning - Te Manawa Taki - Hauora Māori Service at Te Whatu Ora, Bay of Plenty

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Full-time, permanent position  

• Work from any Health New Zealand office location nationwide   

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 Principal Portfolio Lead supports the Regional Group Manager, Funding and Planning, by driving transformative change for whānau Māori across the region. This senior role provides strategic leadership and oversight of key programmes, acting as a trusted expert within their portfolio. It includes mentoring and quality assurance across regional teams, and implementing national strategies and directives related to commissioning, contract management, and service delivery, while ensuring regional and locality-based customisation. 

About the Team/Service/ Location 

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 extensive experience in senior advisory, strategic planning, or portfolio management within a large organisation. A confident communicator, you demonstrate a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its practical application in health service delivery and policy. 

You will have: 

• A tertiary qualification or minimum 8 years of relevant experience in an advisory capacity 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft key governance materials   

• Strong knowledge and practical experience in applying Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches 

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, 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 our online careers' portal by 11 June 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.  

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