Principal Advisor Communication (Wellington ED Refurbishment) at Te Whatu Ora, Wellington

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Full-time fixed-term role until November 2030. 
• Lead communications and stakeholder engagement for Wellington Regional Hospital's Emergency Department redevelopment, which will help to meet the healthcare needs of our communities in the lower North Island.
• Help shape communications strategies that support successful project delivery and keep communities and stakeholders informed.
• Work with local, regional and national teams to manage communications risks and support better outcomes for our health services.

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 

Based in Wellington, you'll play a key role in communications and stakeholder engagement for the redevelopment of Wellington Regional Hospital's Emergency Department. The scope of this work is not to be underestimated – the wider impacts of the ED refurbishment across the whole of this tertiary level hospital are significant. This is an exciting infrastructure delivery programme which will help to support growing demand for our health services and provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for our communities in Wellington and the lower North Island.

Working closely with the project team, you'll help ensure communications are clear, coordinated and aligned with local needs and Health New Zealand's broader priorities.

You'll develop and implement communications and engagement strategies, build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and create engaging communications materials for a range of audiences. This includes translating complex technical information into clear, accessible content, and finding effective ways to keep stakeholders informed and involved.

You'll also help identify and manage communications risks, including media-related issues, and provide advice to support project delivery and meet the needs of the local community. Working closely with regional and national communications colleagues, infrastructure teams, service providers and community stakeholders, you'll encourage a consistent and collaborative approach.

This is an opportunity to use your strategic communications expertise in a complex environment, contributing to the delivery of health services for Wellington's communities. 

About you

You're an experienced communications professional who can provide sound strategic advice, navigate complex stakeholder environments and turn complicated information into clear, effective communications. You're confident working across multidisciplinary teams, building trusted relationships and adapting your approach to suit different audiences.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in public relations, communications, journalism or marketing.
• Approximately 7–10 years' experience in a senior communications role, including public sector experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and overseeing communications strategies and work plans that deliver on objectives.
• Experience working in complex environments where relationship management and sound advice are essential.
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to coordinate communications activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to a range of audiences.
• An understanding of the public sector and the machinery of Government.

Experience in a regional role within a national organisation, infrastructure communications, complex programmes of work, or event management would be advantageous. Project management or engagement accreditations, such as PRINCE2 or IAP2, would also be beneficial.

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 11:59PM Sunday 15 November 2026. For further information, please contact Nicole Rickard on Nicole.Rickard@TeWhatuOra.Govt.NZ.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

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