Takawaenga - Adult Acute Inpatient Facility

Takawaenga - Adult Acute Inpatient Facility

Waikato Hospital

Permanent 80 hours per fortnight

Make a meaningful difference for Māori health outcomes in a role grounded in tikanga, kaupapa Māori, and whānau-centred care

Join a multidisciplinary team where your cultural expertise will help shape culturally safe and responsive mental health care

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 passionate and experienced Takawaenga to join our Adult Acute Inpatient Facility (AAIF) team. As a Takawaenga, you will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, providing Māori cultural expertise that enhances cultural safety, strengthens whānau engagement, and supports the delivery of Waiora Māori-led approaches to care.

Based within the inpatient ward environment, you will work closely alongside clinical teams, the Charge Nurse Manager, Senior Cultural Advisors, and whānau to ensure tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and cultural considerations are embedded throughout assessment, treatment, planning, and transition processes. You will participate in daily handovers, contribute to clinical discussions, complete cultural assessments, and provide cultural interventions that support the wellbeing of tangata whaiora and their whānau.

Key responsibilities:

• Deliver tikanga-based cultural interventions, including karakia, koorero, whanaungatanga and mahi ā-wairua.
• Complete and document cultural assessments that contribute to multidisciplinary care planning.
• Support meaningful whānau participation and engagement throughout the care journey.
• Participate actively in ward handovers, MDT reviews, and care planning discussions.
• Coach and support kaimahi to strengthen cultural capability and embed Waiora Ngā Uara into everyday practice.
• Contribute to initiatives that improve Māori health equity and service development outcomes.

About the Team/Service

Adult Acute Inpatient Facility (AAIF) is part of the Mental Health and Addictions Service (MHAS) within Health New Zealand Waikato. Takawaenga are embedded within the ward environment and are recognised as essential members of the multidisciplinary team, providing cultural leadership and guidance that strengthens culturally responsive care for tangata whaiora and whānau. The service operates seven days a week, ensuring consistent access to cultural support and advocacy.

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.

About You

As a Takawaenga, you will bring strong cultural knowledge, excellent relationship-building skills, and a passion for improving outcomes for Māori.

• Able to work 7 days a week across all rostered shifts.
• Proficiency in Te Reo Māori me ngā Tikanga o Waikato.
• A tertiary qualification in Māori Studies, a health-related qualification, and/or equivalent experience within Kaupapa Māori systems.
• Demonstrated experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice.
• A current full driver's licence.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.
• Experience working with whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori providers, or within mental health services would be advantageous

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.