Principal Advisor Mentally Well - Planning, Funding & Outcomes at Te Whatu Ora, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent Full-time role based in the Wellington Region
• Lead meaningful, complex work that will challenge and grow your expertise
• A rare opportunity to step into a highly influential role at the centre of New Zealand's health system.

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 Principal Advisor, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping Mental Health commissioning advice, supporting senior leaders, Ministers, and the wider organisation to make informed, high-impact decisions.

Working at the intersection of policy, commissioning, and Government processes, you'll lead complex and often sensitive pieces of work, providing trusted advice on Machinery of Government matters. You'll be a key connector across Health NZ, liaising closely with Ministerial offices, communications teams, and government servicing functions to ensure seamless, high-quality delivery.

This role offers both strategic influence and hands-on leadership — from guiding national work programmes and driving innovation, through to ensuring the quality and integrity of advice, reporting, and commissioning outputs.

About the Team

The Mentally Well Directorate sits at the heart of Health NZ's commissioning function, leading work that shapes how mental health and wellbeing services are designed, delivered, and improved across Aotearoa. The team works closely with partners across the health system, including Government, clinicians, communities, and other agencies, to ensure services are equitable, evidence-informed, and responsive to the needs of New Zealanders.

This is a high-performing, collaborative team that thrives on tackling complex challenges and delivering meaningful outcomes. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, the team brings together a diverse mix of skills and perspectives. You'll be part of an environment that values whakaaro Māori, supports professional growth, and encourages open, respectful engagement to achieve better outcomes for whānau and communities.

About you

You are an experienced and credible senior advisor with the confidence to operate in complex and politically sensitive environments. You bring strong judgement, a strategic mindset, and the ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable advice.

• You are an experienced and credible senior advisor with the confidence to operate in complex and politically sensitive environments. You bring strong judgement, a strategic mindset, and the ability to translate complexity into clear, actionable advice.
• You bring 10–15 years' experience in senior advisory, policy, or commissioning roles, supported by a relevant tertiary qualification
• You have strong experience leading complex or contentious work, using sound judgement and critical thinking to provide clear, trusted advice
• You are confident operating in politically sensitive environments and understand (or can quickly build knowledge of) Machinery of Government processes
• You are an exceptional communicator, able to translate complex issues into clear, concise messaging for a range of audiences
• You have proven leadership experience, including managing work programmes, influencing outcomes, and supporting team capability
• You build strong, effective relationships and work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders
• You demonstrate a genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equity in health outcomes
• You are adaptable, organised, and resilient, able to manage competing priorities while maintaining quality and professionalism

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 11:59PM Wednesday 13 May 2026. For further information, please contact Lynda Francis on lynda.francis@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.