Public Health Nurse - Palmerston North - Central - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Public Health Nurse – Palmerston North – Mid-Central - NPHS

• Contribute to transforming the future of health in this Public Health Nurse role
• Permanent Full and Part-time positions available
• Pay based on relevant Nursing Collective - Registered Nurse Salary Scales Step 1-7

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

We currently have several opportunities available to join our team as a Public Health Nurse. These are permanent roles, with various positions available.

Public Health Nursing is a dynamic specialty that blends nursing expertise, social sciences, and public health knowledge to protect and promote well-being at every level. As a Public Health Nurse, you'll be at the forefront of population health, assessing needs, addressing the many determinants of health, and championing primary prevention. Working as a vital member of the National Public Health Service (NPHS), you'll collaborate across teams and communities to empower individuals, whānau, and wider networks to achieve their best possible health outcomes. This is more than a job, it's a chance to shape healthier futures.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our Public Health Nursing team is part of the National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. We're a passionate, connected team working across boundaries to deliver public health services that are locally grounded, regionally coordinated, and nationally aligned.

Palmerston North is a dynamic city at the heart of Manawatū, where urban innovation meets green open spaces. You'll join a team dedicated to improving health outcomes and equity through strong relationships, cultural responsiveness, and a shared vision for thriving tamariki and whanau.

About you

We're looking for a Registered Nurse who is ready to step into a role that's both challenging and rewarding. To thrive here, you'll bring:

• Current registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and a valid Annual Practising Certificate
• Whole of Life Vaccinator status (or prepared to work towards it)
• A strong commitment to achieving equitable outcomes for underserved whānau and communities
• A competent portfolio in an approved PDRP (or equivalent), with dedication to ongoing development (desirable)
• Confidence in applying Māori health models to nursing practice
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams
• Familiarity with Patient Management Systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A full driver's licence

This is your opportunity to be part of a team that's shaping healthier communities across Aotearoa. If you're ready to bring your skills, passion, and commitment to public health nursing, we'd love to hear from you.

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 11.59 pm Monday, 10^th February 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Adele Edmonds-Woolf at adele.edmondswoolf@tewhatuora.govt.nz