Senior Medical Officer / Public Health Medicine Specialist - Christchurch - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• An opportunity to make a positive impact in an organisation that makes a difference to people's lives
• Contribute to transforming the future of health in this part-time 0.8 FTE role
• Remuneration as per the relevant Collective Agreement

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

This is an exciting opportunity for either a vocationally registered Public Health Medicine Specialist or a Medical Officer (including those earlier in training or development) to work within a collaborative and high-impact public health environment.

Depending on your level of experience, you will:

Public Health Medicine Specialist (Senior level)

• Provide clinical leadership and specialist public health advice across the region
• Contribute to a cohesive, effective, and equitable health system
• Undertake statutory duties as a designated Medical Officer of Health (or work toward designation)
• Participate in on-call and emergency/public health response activities
• Support professional quality and leadership across multidisciplinary teams

Medical Officer (Registrar level)

• Deliver operational public health services in areas such as:
• Notifiable disease management
• Outbreak investigation and response
• Environmental health
• Provide clinical support and oversight for public health programmes, including school-based services
• Work under the guidance of Medical Officers of Health and senior clinical leaders
• Contribute to multidisciplinary teams and service delivery across the region

Across both levels, you will support public health responses and emergency management while working collaboratively with clinicians, public health nurses, and health protection officers. You will contribute to equity-led, population-focused health initiatives and actively engage with communities, including Māori and Pacific partners. Central to the role is upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice, ensuring all work supports improved and equitable health outcomes.

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

We are seeking candidates who are committed to achieving equitable health outcomes and improving population health, with a strong understanding of and ability to apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice. You will build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across teams and sectors, while demonstrating leadership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

 For PHMS applicants (Senior Medical Officer):

• Vocational registration in Public Health Medicine (FNZCPHM, FAFPHM or equivalent)
• Current Annual Practising Certificate
• Eligible for or already designated as a Medical Officer of Health
• Extensive experience in public health medicine

 For Medical Officer applicants:

• General registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand and current APC
• Experience or strong interest in public health, community, or primary care
• Postgraduate training in public health (desirable)
• Commitment to developing public health expertise

 Highly desirable (for both):

• Experience working with Kaupapa Māori and Pacific health providers
• Understanding of equity models and population health approaches
• Competency or willingness to develop in te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori

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 Sunday, 12 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 employees will be given preference and priority for this position.