Spatial Planner at Te Whatu Ora, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

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 Spatial Planner, working within the Infrastructure and Investment Group (IIG), you'll ensure alignment with national health strategies and clinical service planning, providing high-quality technical and analytical advice to shape future campus assets. You'll play a pivotal role in turning strategic infrastructure plans into reality. Interpreting data and identifying the space, design, and operational solutions needed to bring those plans to life.

This is a highly collaborative role, requiring engagement with clinicians, planners, policymakers, and infrastructure teams to ensure strategic planning and service delivery are seamlessly connected.

Regular travel throughout the region is required to engage with stakeholders and assess site opportunities.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The IIG team are focused on delivering high impact infrastructure investments that support the transformation of New Zealand's health system.

Giving support, oversight and assurance across projects and programmes, the team understand that safe, fit for purpose health facilities, sites and equipment are essential for a well-functioning health system that improves the health of all New Zealanders.

About you

You bring expertise in spatial planning and a strong ability to turn complex data and stakeholder input into actionable plans. You're confident navigating ambiguity, managing multiple priorities, and influencing decisions at senior levels. Your experience includes developing master plans, space utilisation strategies, and providing strategic advice in healthcare or similar large-scale environments.

You will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in spatial planning, urban planning, architecture, or related discipline
• 5+ years' applied experience in spatial practice for property and floor space management within a campus environment (health or education preferred)
• Expertise in space planning, design, and asset management within a healthcare setting
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills for infrastructure decision-making
• Experience implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action and supporting equity in health outcomes
• Proven ability to manage complex spatial projects and influence strategic decisions

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 16^th January 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact careers@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Due to the December holiday period, this advert will remain open for an extended duration. Screening and interviews will commence from mid-January. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting with you in the new year.  

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