Public Health Planning, Policy & Performance Senior Advisor - Te Manawa Taki Region - NPHS

Public Health Planning, Policy & Performance Senior Advisor - Te Manawa Taki Region - NPHS

Contribute to transforming the future of health in this Senior Planning, Policy and Performance Advisor role

Location: Te Manawa Taki Region (Taranaki, Waikato, Lakes, Bay of Plenty or Tairāwhiti districts)

Permanent, Full-Time position

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

We have a permanent, full-time opportunity available to join our Te Manawa Taki regional team as a Public Health Planning, Policy and Performance Senior Advisor.

This role provides leadership, technical expertise and strategic advice across a mix of short- and longer-term mahi within the Planning, Policy and Performance team. You will lead projects and work collaboratively across regional and national teams, with a primary focus on strengthening planning and performance. Key areas of work include:

• Leading the development and implementation of strategies, plans, performance frameworks and reporting approaches that support team and organisational performance. Ensuring work programmes are well coordinated and aligned with regional and national priorities, and using performance information to monitor progress against objectives, identify risks and opportunities for improvement, and inform decisions.
• Drawing on data, insights and a broad public health perspective to assess emerging issues and developments that may affect health outcomes. Providing practical, evidence-informed advice on their implications for the region and helping shape appropriate responses, including applying a Health in All Policies perspective to relevant work.

You will thrive in environments where priorities and contexts may shift rapidly, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Your ability to navigate ambiguity and provide clarity for others will be key to your success.

About the Service

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora works towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

You are someone able to demonstrate an understanding of organisational risk and compliance, legal and regulatory requirements regarding relevant regulations and standards in New Zealand, to ensure compliance with these requirements. You can demonstrate mature communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to write and present effectively, and to develop, unify and maintain strong internal and external relationships essential for achieving sustainable outcomes.

• A relevant graduate and post-graduate qualification.
• A minimum of five years relevant experience in health, public sector or local government planning, performance and/or policy.
• Demonstrates strong analytical and communication skills, rapidly synthesising information and articulating complex issues clearly and concisely to varied audiences.
• Is comfortable with ambiguity and can lead others through change with confidence and clarity.
• Some experience designing and managed projects.
• Has experience working in partnership with Māori and/or Pacific People communities.
• Is committed to equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi in action.
• Can remain effective and focused when faced with shifting priorities, uncertainty, or incomplete information.
• Holds a clean NZ Drivers Licence.

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 Monday, 28 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett via maria.bennett1@tewhatuora.govt.nz