Health Promotion Advisor - Whanganui - Te Ikaroa - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, Manawatu / Whanganui

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Are you passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of whānau and communities? 

• Join us in shaping the future of public health as a Health Promotion Advisor
• Location: Whanganui
• Position: Permanent, full-time (2.0 FTE)

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 a Health Promotion Advisor | Kaitohu Whakatairanga Hauora, you will work in partnership with communities to design, deliver, and evaluate health promotion initiatives that address the broader determinants of health and wellbeing. Your work will align with both community aspirations and government priorities, contributing to strategies that support Pae Ora – healthy futures for all.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, is dedicated to achieving Pae Ora - healthy futures for all. By addressing the wider determinants of health that shape people's lives, with a strong focus on wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level interventions. Our approach is collaborative and connected across boundaries, ensuring public health services are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored to meet the unique needs of Whanganui communities.

This role is based within the Whanganui health promotion team as part of the Community and Whānau Wellbeing service - a multidisciplinary team committed to improving health outcomes for the whole community. Our focus is on creating supportive environments that make healthy choices easier and more accessible for whānau. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that is growing, offering the chance to contribute to its development and future direction.

About you

You are someone with excellent relationship management, influencing and facilitation skills. You can work in an evidence-based way, integrating health promotion frameworks, health data and community insights to inform priorities and programme development. You have excellent communication skills and are able to adapt information and complex ideas to a wide range of audiences.     

With a focus on achieving equity, you will work closely with local government, iwi and hapū, and priority communities to support positive change on a wide range of issues including immunisation, screening, smokefree/ vape free, food environments, physical activity, alcohol and mental wellbeing. You have a willingness to build constructive and effective relationships with stakeholders, understanding their needs and environment.  

• Previous experience in health promotion, community development or a related role  
• Ability to work collaboratively with communities and stakeholders 
• Experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
• Strong planning, implementation, and evaluation skills
• Understanding of Public Health approaches, including settings-based approaches, community-led development, systems thinking, co-design and collective impact
• Willing to travel across the local district and region
• Clean NZ Driver's License
• Desired - A tertiary qualification in public health, health promotion, social science, education, Māori studies, community development or a related field or equivalent experience

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 Sunday 1 February 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay at Anesha.Pillay@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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