Specialty Clinical Nurse, Maternal Mental Health at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Location: Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora MidCentral

Employment Type: Permanent (1 FTE available —Full-Time Equivalent)

Why This is a Great Role
Te Whatu Ora MidCentral is seeking an experienced Speciality Clinical Nurse to join our Maternal Mental Health team. This is a unique opportunity to provide advanced, specialised mental health nursing care during the perinatal period, supporting māmā, pēpi, and whānau through pregnancy and the postnatal journey. 

Your role will focus on face-to-face clinical assessment and therapeutic intervention, ensuring safe, timely, and culturally responsive care for women and whānau experiencing complex mental health needs. You will also contribute to education and capability building for clinicians and kaimahi across the rohe, strengthening integrated care pathways and improving outcomes for whānau. 

Benefits

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

• A learning-focused environment that supports ongoing professional development.
• Opportunities to lead service improvements and influence clinical practice.
• A collaborative, multidisciplinary team dedicated to evidence-based care.
• Tailored wellness programmes for staff and service users. 

About the Role

As a Speciality Clinical Nurse – Maternal Mental Health, you will:

• Undertake comprehensive maternal mental health assessments across pregnancy and the postnatal period.
• Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions and develop whānau-inclusive care plans.
• Work face-to-face with māmā, pēpi, and whānau, providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support during times of heightened vulnerability.
• Act as a specialist resource for clinicians and partner services, offering consultation and guidance to strengthen integrated care.
• Provide education and mentorship to clinical and non-clinical kaimahi across the rohe, supporting workforce capability and confidence in perinatal mental health care. 

This role is hands-on and deeply relational, requiring advanced clinical judgment, proactive risk identification, and a commitment to equity-focused practice. 

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Maternal Mental Health Service delivers specialist, whānau-centred care across the perinatal continuum — from preconception through pregnancy and the postnatal period. We focus on early intervention and culturally responsive support for māmā, pēpi, and whānau experiencing complex mental health needs, including perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.

You'll work within Te Uru Rauhī – Mental Health and Addiction Services, alongside maternity, primary care, iwi, and community partners to provide integrated, trauma-informed care that promotes wellbeing during the first 2000 days of life. 

The service is expanding, creating an exciting opportunity for a passionate clinician to help shape perinatal mental health pathways and improve outcomes for whānau.

MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We actively seek Māori kaimahi and are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. 

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect balance of city convenience and rural beauty. With mountains, beaches, and scenic trails nearby, plus excellent schools and tertiary institutions, it's an ideal location for work-life balance and whānau wellbeing. Enjoy easy commutes, no traffic, and a central location that makes exploring Aotearoa simple — whether by car or short flight. 

For more information on living and working in the Manawatu click here 

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive maternal mental health assessments across pregnancy and the postnatal period.
• Deliver evidence-based therapeutic interventions and whānau-inclusive care planning.
• Work face-to-face with māmā, pēpi, and whānau to provide culturally safe, trauma-informed support.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and partner services to ensure integrated care.
• Provide education and mentorship to clinicians and kaimahi across the rohe.
• Contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives. 

About You

• Registered Nurse with a current NZ practicing certificate.
• Minimum five years' recent clinical experience in mental health, preferably perinatal.
• Postgraduate qualification in mental health nursing.
• Advanced clinical assessment and intervention skills.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity-focused practice.
• Ability to educate and mentor others to enhance service capability.

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 the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Vicky Brown, Service Manager — Primary and Community Mental Health & Addiction Service (Email: VickyBr@mdhb.health.nz) 

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.