Patient Family Insights Co-Design Lead - Pacific Health - Manukau

Patient Family Insights Co-Design Lead - Pacific Health - Manukau

Provide specialist leadership in Pacific qualitative insights, applying co-design, qualitative research and mixed-methods expertise to strengthen understanding of Pacific health needs, experiences and aspirations. Partner with key stakeholders including Pacific providers to identify, analyse and synthesise patient, family and community perspectives, ensuring lived experience is meaningfully reflected in planning and decision-making. Transform Pacific voice into actionable intelligence that informs service improvement, commissioning priorities and health system transformation for Pacific communities.

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

As the Patient & Family Insights Co-Design Lead, you will be the specialist lead for Pacific patient, family and community qualitative insights within the Pacific Health Intelligence & Insights team. This role is responsible for gathering, analysing and translating lived experiences into meaningful evidence that informs decision-making, service improvement and system transformation across Health New Zealand. Drawing on co-design, engagement and qualitative research approaches, you will ensure Pacific voices are at the centre of shaping better health outcomes for Pacific communities.

Working with Pacific providers and other stakeholders, you will build trusted relationships and lead culturally responsive insight-generation. You will combine qualitative data with population health, operational and performance information to develop actionable insights, helping to improve access to services, strengthen equity, and support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care for Pacific peoples across Aotearoa New Zealand.

About the Service

This role sits within the Pacific Health Clinical Group in the Office of the Clinical Chief Officers within Health NZ. The team is dedicated to improving health outcomes for Pacific communities through strategic planning, effective funding allocation, workforce development and strong partnerships with providers and stakeholders. As part of this collaborative and impact-driven team, you will contribute to initiatives that support equitable access to healthcare and culturally responsive services.

About you

You will be an experienced qualitative insights professional with a passion for improving health outcomes for Pacific communities. Skilled at building trusted relationships and working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, you will bring strong analytical thinking, cultural understanding and the ability to translate lived experiences into meaningful insights that influence decision-making and service improvement.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in co-design, qualitative research, insights generation, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of Pacific cultures, values and communities within Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders.
• Excellent facilitation, communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in gathering, analysing and interpreting qualitative data.
• The ability to translate complex information into clear and actionable insights.
• A commitment to equity, cultural safety and improving health outcomes for Pacific peoples.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

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 Wednesday, 07 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett at Maria.Bennett1@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz