Clinical Coder at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Clinical Coder – Palmerston North Hospital | Casual

• Salary: Clinical Coding Salary Scale – $78,228 – $91,281 pro rata

Make a difference behind the scenes of healthcare delivery.

Join our Clinical Coding team and play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and quality of health information that supports patient care, funding, planning, and health outcomes across New Zealand.

Benefits

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged

• A professional and supportive culture and team setting
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options
• Tailored wellness programmes

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

About the Role

As a Casual Clinical Coder, you will be responsible for reviewing patient clinical records and accurately assigning diagnosis, injury, and procedure codes using the ICD-10-AM classification system. Your work will contribute to the integrity of national health data, service planning, funding, and reporting requirements.

You will analyse complex clinical information, assign appropriate codes in accordance with national standards and guidelines, and ensure coded records are completed accurately and within required timeframes. Working as part of a collaborative team, you will also respond to coding queries, participate in quality audits, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a casual position working as and when required to support service needs.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant graduate or post-graduate qualification
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex clinical information
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good computer literacy and confidence using digital systems
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• A commitment to patient privacy, confidentiality, and quality standards

Desirable:

• HIMAA Coding Course qualification
• Experience in nursing, medicine, biology, or a related field
• Experience with health information systems, databases, or clinical coding
• Understanding of the public health sector environment

About the Team/Service

The Clinical Coding team plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of health information across Health New Zealand. The team works closely with clinicians, health analytics, administration staff, and national health agencies to support quality patient care, health reporting, and service planning.

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua – MidCentral is a 350-bed hospital in the city of Palmerston North, Manawatū, a city in the Lower North Island of New Zealand. Palmerston North Hospital is a secondary hospital and offers most medical and surgical specialties with the exception of Cardiothoracic, Plastic and Neurosurgery. The hospital serves a local population of 180,000 but is the base for a regional head and neck oncology service which has responsibility for a population of 550,000 and draws patients from Whanganui, Taranaki, and Hawke's Bay.

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees.  We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. No traffic, an easy commute to work and a strong community feel, help achieve true work-life balance.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatū:

Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business

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 Roxanne Janse Van Rensburg Roxanne.JanseVanRensburg@midcentraldhb.govt.nz

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

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