Chief Advisor - Business Services - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Contribute to transforming the future of health in this pivotal role as a Chief Advisor
• Location: Auckland or Wellington
• Permanent, Full-Time

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 have the opportunity available to join the National Public Health Service (NPHS) Business Services directorate as a Chief Advisor. This is a permanent, full-time role.

The Chief Advisor provides high quality advice and strategic thought leadership to support the Head of Business Services across the work programme for the directorate. It includes strategic oversight and delivery of the business services work programme, writing papers for decision-makers, and leading complex and strategic pieces of work for the directorate. The role will also provide acting cover for the Head of Business Services on a regular basis- including engaging with Ministers Offices.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The NPHS within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

The successful candidate is an experienced leader with extensive knowledge of the public health system and machinery of government. You will be an expert at providing strategic thought leadership on complex issues/work and be able to work across teams and senior leaders to write high quality papers for decision-makers under tight timeframes. You will bring previous experience and expertise in leadership and proven experience in contributing to the delivery of key work programmes and projects.

• A relevant graduate and post-graduate qualification in health, public policy, business or management
• Minimum of 10 years management / leadership experience
• Extensive experience in the health system and machinery of government
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles under time pressures
• Experience in applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice, particularly in leading complex or contentious work
• Excellent analytical skills combined with an ability to quickly assimilate information
• Knowledge and skills to deal effectively with complex and politically sensitive situations or topics

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 Wednesday, 29 April 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay via Anesha.pillay@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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