Provide executive support and governance coordination for MHAS leadership

Personal Assistant - Mhas

Professional Assistant – Mental Health and Addictions Services

Palmerston North | Full Time (1.0 FTE)

Join a dynamic leadership team supporting Mental Health and Addictions Services

Play a key role in supporting senior nursing leaders and service improvement initiatives

Enjoy a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same

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

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and relationship-focused Professional Assistant to provide executive and administrative support to the Director of Nursing and Associate Director of Nursing within Te Uru Rauhī – Mental Health and Addictions Services.

This is a varied and rewarding position where you will contribute to the effective functioning of the Mental Health and Addictions Services leadership team through executive support, governance administration, project coordination, communication management, reporting and relationship management. The role requires initiative, professionalism, discretion and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Providing proactive executive support to senior nursing leaders
  • Coordinating governance, leadership and operational meetings
  • Preparing agendas, reports, presentations and correspondence
  • Recording minutes, maintaining action registers and following up actions
  • Supporting recruitment, onboarding and workforce activities
  • Coordinating hui, workshops, forums and stakeholder events
  • Raising purchase orders and supporting procurement activities
  • Assisting with quality improvement initiatives, projects and service reviews
  • Building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across the organisation

About You

You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working collaboratively and take pride in delivering high-quality support.

We are looking for someone with:

  • At least three years' experience in a senior administrative, executive assistant or personal assistant role
  • Advanced Microsoft 365 skills, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Exceptional organisational and time management skills
  • Strong written communication and report-writing abilities
  • Experience coordinating meetings, governance processes and reporting activities
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
  • A high level of discretion, professionalism and confidentiality
  • A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and culturally safe practice
  • A Full New Zealand Driver Licence

About the Team/Service

Te Uru Rauhī – Mental Health and Addictions Services provides a range of specialist mental health and addiction services across the MidCentral region. This role works closely with senior nursing leadership and supports initiatives that contribute to safe, responsive and people-centred care.

You will become a trusted member of the leadership support team, helping ensure the smooth operation of Mental Health and Addictions Services through effective coordination, communication and relationship management.

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua – MidCentral is a 350-bed hospital in the city of Palmerston North, Manawatū, a city in the Lower North Island of New Zealand. Palmerston North Hospital is a secondary hospital and offers most medical and surgical specialties with the exception of Cardiothoracic, Plastic and Neurosurgery. The hospital serves a local population of 180,000 but is the base for a regional head and neck oncology service which has responsibility for a population of 550,000 and draws patients from Whanganui, Taranaki, and Hawke's Bay.

Employing over 2500 people, MidCentral offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees. We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About the Location

Manawatū offers the perfect blend of city convenience and rural charm. Whether you're drawn to peaceful village life, vibrant townships, or the buzz of the city, you'll find your ideal lifestyle here. It's a family-friendly region that's easy to live in and even easier to love. The region is also home to excellent schools and two tertiary institutions: Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice—beaches, ski fields, lakes, and mountains are all within reach, along with fantastic hiking and mountain biking tracks. No traffic, an easy commute to work and a strong community feel, help achieve true work-life balance.

Our central location makes it easy to explore the rest of New Zealand, whether you're heading off on a road trip or catching a short flight.

For more information on living and working in the Manawatū:

Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business

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

How to Apply

To apply please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by the advertised date. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ravi Garala Ramkumar Ravi.Garalaramkumar@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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.