Regional General Manager Tikanga - Te Manawa Taki - Hauora Māori Service at Te Whatu Ora, Te Manawa Taki

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Full-time, permanent position
• Based in Te Manawa Taki | Midland Region 

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

The Regional General Manager Tikanga provides leadership and guidance to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles across the organisation, ensuring approaches to hauora reflect tikanga and te Reo Māori. Reporting to the Chief of Tikanga, it oversees the facilitation and teaching of tikanga practices, weaving mātauranga Māori throughout policies, procedures, and resources to support kaimahi. The position advises senior leaders, leads organisational kaupapa, and fosters confidence in participation at hui and events. A key focus is building strong relationships and partnering with iwi, communities, and internal teams to ensure Māori voices are heard, health equity is prioritised, and cultural practices are integrated into plans and services.

About the Team/Service

As the Hauora Māori Service of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) our core role is to ensure New Zealanders have better and more timely access to health care.  The devolution of resources and decision making to the regions ensures those closest to service users and whānau are involved in decisions on how healthcare is delivered. We are committed to ensuring our operating model is responsive to the needs of Māori. 

About you

You will demonstrate deep knowledge of Mātauranga Māori, Tikanga, and Te Reo Māori, with the ability to teach and facilitate tikanga practices. You bring proven experience in providing cultural leadership and guidance at a senior level, influencing organisational approaches and strategy.

An effective communicator, you excel at building and maintaining strong partnerships with iwi, hapū, Māori communities, and internal stakeholders.

You will have:

• A relevant graduate or postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice; experience within the health sector is an advantage.
• Fluency in Te Reo Māori (or a strong commitment to achieving fluency), alongside a deep understanding of applying mātauranga Māori in the workplace.
• Proven ability to design structured learning frameworks and successfully deliver them.

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 25 February 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on zerissa.ong@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.