Professional Leader Physiotherapy at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough, Wairau Hospital

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Professional Leader Physiotherapy, Wairau Hospital, Permanent Full-time

• Be an integral part of professional governance, quality improvement and  workforce development for physiotherapy services in Wairau.
• Work within and alongside a group of motivated leaders and clinicians to shape the future of healthcare delivery for the Nelson Marlborough region.

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

As a Professional Leader, you will lead with a strategic focus on workforce development, safe and high-quality. In this role you will:

• Advise and support managers across services on issues related to physiotherapy,
• Provide advice on organisational and workforce priorities,
• Work collaboratively with other professional leaders, managers and other roles across Health NZ Nelson Marlborough,
• Identify risks, communicate and escalate as appropriate.

This is a permanent, part-time role (0.2 FTE) working 16 hours per fortnight, Monday to Friday. Our preference is that the professional lead will also concurrently hold a clinical role.

Please refer to the position description for more information.

About the Team/Service/ Location

At Health New Zealand, Nelson Marlborough, we are committed to delivering safe, equitable, and high-quality healthcare across our communities. Our focus extends across inpatient, outpatient and community services, working closely with Māori, Pacific, and underserved populations to eliminate health inequities.

As part of our collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, you'll support and lead by promoting professional excellence, innovation, and culturally responsive care, while fostering leadership, learning, and workforce development at all levels.

For more information on living and working in Blenheim click here

About you

As a Professional Leader, you will:

• Have exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence and relate well to others,
• Network and build quality working relationships and partnerships,
• Be innovative, enthusiastic, and flexible with a positive approach to all circumstances,
• Have proven clinical leadership and facilitation abilities,
• Be a Registered Physiotherapist with a current practising certificate and a minimum of seven years clinical experience, three of which must be current.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ work visa at the time of applying.

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 19 November 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR

Nicole McHaffie (Team Leader - Dietetics) at nicole.mchaffie@nmdhb.govt.nz .

Job ref: R1W25-060

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

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