Poumanaaki Acute Care Services Emergency Department at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough, Nelson Hospital

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• An exciting opportunity to join our Emergency Department as a Poumanaaki - Acute Care Services.
• Join our growing team in Nelson Hospital where your expertise makes a difference.
• Be part of something special - supportive colleagues in one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most sought-after regions.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

This permanent part-time 0.8 FTE (64 hours a fortnight working rostered shifts Monday-Sunday with an on-call component) position is a newly established role as part of the ongoing expansion and development of Emergency Department services at Nelson Hospital.

As demand for emergency and acute care continues to grow across the Nelson Marlborough region, this role has been created to strengthen patient support, improve access to culturally responsive care, and promote the overall patient and whānau experience within the Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Coronary Care Unit.

The Poumanaaki plays a vital role in supporting Māori and Pasifika patients and whānau in the critical care services out of hours throughout their journey in the ED. Working closely with clinical and multidisciplinary teams, you will help patients navigate the healthcare system, provide advocacy and support, and contribute to positive health outcomes through relationship-based care. In this role, you will also complete cultural assessments as a component of overall care.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting patients and whānau during their ED presentation.
• Providing culturally safe, compassionate, and patient-centred support.
• Assisting patients to understand their care pathway and available services.
• Helping identify barriers to care and facilitating access to appropriate support services.
• Contributing to improved patient experiences and equitable health outcomes.

About the Team/Service/Location

Nelson Hospital's ED provides 24/7 emergency care to a diverse patient population. It currently operates under increasing demand - the department sees 100'120 patients a day on its busiest days. This equates broadly to more than 33,000 presentations per annum, and likely more as the population grows.

The recently completed ED expansion offers a modern, purpose-built environment that improves patient experience and staff wellbeing. The redevelopment includes additional treatment and resuscitation areas, improved workflow design, and upgraded facilities to meet the growing needs of our community.

As part of a growing and evolving service, the ED is expanding its workforce to better meet the needs of our diverse community. The Poumanaaki role will be an integral member of the Acute Care Services team, working alongside dedicated Critical care teams and support staff committed to delivering safe, high-quality care.

To explore all the ingredients for a better work/life balance in Nelson, click HERE

About you

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about supporting people during times of crisis and uncertainty and who can build trusting relationships with patients and whānau from diverse backgrounds. While fluency in Te Reo and tikanga Māori is advantageous, applicants with a basic understanding of Te Reo Māori will be considered, as we can support development in the Māori language within our workplace.

You will also have:

• Experience working within healthcare settings, acute services, or supporting Māori and Pacific communities would be highly regarded.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to engage effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• A commitment to equity, cultural safety, and patient-centred care.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

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, Pasifika, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply please click 'apply now'. All applications must be submitted through our online career's portal by 5 July 2026. Applications via email are not considered.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Vicki Bijl, CNM - ED on Vicki.Bijl@nmdhb.govt.nz or Karipa Akuhata, cultural advisor Nelson Hospital Karipa.Akuhata@nmdhb.govt.nz

For any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Lee Packer Lee.Packer@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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