Pacific Public Health, Clinical Lead, Te Waipounamu - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Shape and influence national public health outcomes for Pacific communities
• Lead high-impact programmes that drive equity and system-wide change
• Permanent full-time position based in Christchurch 

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 Pacific Public Health Clinical Lead, you will provide strategic and clinical leadership across regional and national programmes. You will champion a Pacific public health lens in the design, delivery, and evaluation of key initiatives, ensuring equity, cultural responsiveness, and improved health outcomes remain at the forefront.

Working closely with the Director of Pacific Public Health, Regional Director and other senior clinical leaders, you will guide the implementation of priority programmes including immunisation, cancer screening, disease prevention, mental health, and the reduction of harm from risky commodities. You will lead and support one of our regional teams, driving high-quality delivery, building capability, and fostering strong partnerships across the health system and Pacific communities.

This role is pivotal in advancing equitable health outcomes. You will bring expert strategic and clinical insight, thought leadership, and a deep understanding of Pacific health to inform decision-making, shape strategy, and influence system-wide change. Collaboration is key as you will work across directorates, sectors, and communities to ensure services are integrated, effective, and centred on the needs and aspirations of Pacific peoples.

About the Service

The 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 senior clinical leader with a strong commitment to improving Pacific health outcomes and advancing equity across the health system. You bring the ability to think strategically, provide clear and credible clinical advice, and build trusted relationships across communities, the sector, and government. You are comfortable working in complex environments, leading change, and influencing outcomes that make a meaningful difference for Pacific peoples.

You will bring:

• Proven clinical leadership experience in public health or Pacific health, with relevant professional registration
• Strong understanding of Pacific communities, cultural frameworks, and a demonstrated commitment to equity
• Experience leading teams, programmes, or large-scale initiatives with measurable impact
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and influence decision-makers
• A collaborative, relationship-focused approach, with the ability to work effectively across sectors and with Pacific stakeholders

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 Tuesday, 30 June 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 employees will be given preference and priority for this position.