Advanced Cultural Support Specialists - Adult Acute Inpatient Unit and Puawai Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent 80 hours per fortnight
• Lead cultural excellence and help shape equitable, culturally grounded mental health care
• Join a service committed to embedding tikanga, cultural safety and equity into every aspect of care, ensuring positive outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau while growing the capability of our workforce

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 an Advanced Cultural Support Specialist within the Adult Acute Inpatient Unit, you will provide advanced cultural assessment; guidance and leadership to ensure tikanga, cultural safety and equity are embedded across all aspects of care delivery. You will work alongside clinical teams to support culturally informed decision-making, strengthen connections with whānau and communities, and help ensure care is responsive to the needs of tangata whaiora.

This role offers the opportunity to influence both individual care and wider service development. Working collaboratively as part of a specialist leadership triad alongside the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advanced Allied Health Clinician, you will contribute to integrated care planning, workforce capability development, quality improvement initiatives and culturally informed service design that supports holistic wellbeing and equitable outcomes.

As an Advanced Cultural Support Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in embedding the Waiora model of care across the Adult Acute Inpatient Unit, supporting the integration of tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori and culturally grounded approaches into everyday clinical practice.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide specialist cultural assessment, guidance and support across the service to promote culturally safe care.
• Provide cultural leadership that supports improved health outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau.
• Mentor, coach and support staff to develop confidence and capability in culturally safe practice and tikanga Māori.
• Strengthen relationships with iwi, hapū, Māori providers and community partners to support holistic care and continuity of support.
• Lead cultural components of care pathways, recovery planning and acute care planning.
• Lead or contribute to service development, research, quality improvement initiatives and the development of culturally informed pathways, policies and guidelines.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

The Adult Acute Inpatient team and Puawai Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service provide assessment, treatment and support for people experiencing acute and forensic mental health needs. Our multidisciplinary team is committed to delivering recovery-focused, person-centred care that promotes wellbeing, equity and positive outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau. The service fosters collaborative practice and values clinical excellence, cultural integrity and continuous improvement. 

Waiora is the foundation, framework and model of care across Mental Health and Addictions Services. In 1989, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu gifted the name Waiora Waikato and its tikanga as a taonga to the Waikato Area Health Board. Waiora, meaning "the water of life", reflects the healing role of wai in sustaining and restoring ora (wellbeing). Today, Waiora continues to evolve by integrating clinical practice and mātauranga Māori, supporting wellbeing while acknowledging the values, identity and aspirations of our communities.

Through Waiora, we are committed to Māori-led approaches that place tangata whaiora and their whānau at the centre of care, ensuring cultural integrity, clinical excellence and equitable outcomes are embedded throughout our service.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• Advanced cultural expertise and a deep understanding of tikanga Māori.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with strong coaching, mentoring and workforce development skills.
• Strong knowledge of cultural safety, equity and holistic models of care.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and develop effective partnerships with iwi, hapū, Māori providers and community stakeholders.
• A commitment to high-quality, culturally grounded care and improving outcomes for tangata whaiora and whānau.

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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 31 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at Robyn.Payne@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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