Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Acute Inpatient Facility

Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Acute Inpatient Facility

Acute mental health wards - Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre - soon to be relocating to a new purpose built, contemporary facility

Permanent, 80 hours per fortnight Monday to Friday

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

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides advanced cultural and clinical leadership with a specific focus on Māori health equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga-informed practice, and whānau-centred care.

The CNS is embedded within the ward environment, working alongside staff and whānau to strengthen cultural safety, build workforce capability, and improve outcomes for Māori tānaga tahi whaiora. You will work collaboratively with the Charge Nurse Manager and Associate Charge Nurse Manager to strengthen cultural safety, improve Māori health equity and support workforce development.

The role influences care delivery through direct clinical involvement, modelling best practice, supporting complex care planning, mentoring staff and ensuring whānau-centred approaches are reflected in clinical decision-making.

You will serve as a bridge between clinical practice, tikanga Māori and organisational objectives, helping translate Māori health aspirations into practical actions within the ward environment.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Provides specialist nursing care and expertise, both in care delivery and in support of other staff.
• Researches, evaluates, develops and implements standards of nursing practice in an acute mental health setting.
• Leads the development of pathways, protocols and guidelines in acute mental health nursing.
• Engages and works collaboratively with all stakeholders, particularly tānaga tahi whaiora and whānau.
• Supports the pursuit of Māori health gains as well as achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori.

About the Team/Service

Our new facility consists of two large units, each with their own high dependency areas and represents one of the most significant investments in acute adult inpatient mental health services in Waikato.

While it introduces a contemporary purpose-built facility, its true significance lies in the opportunity to redefine how care is experienced by tānaga tahi whaiora, their whānau and loved ones.

Both units have their own multidisciplinary team which include nurses, mental health assistants, Takawaenga, doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, alcohol and other drug clinicians, social workers and activities facilitators.

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

• Have a good understanding of Te Ao Māori.
• Hold a current New Zealand nursing registration and practising certificate with scope to work in mental health
• Have 3-4 years of clinical experience in a mental health setting.
• Have a passion for making a difference to the lives of our tānaga tahi whaiora and whānau.
• Have a post graduate qualification with a focus on mental health.
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principles and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
• Fluency in te reo Māori and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

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 11 October 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at Amanda.Lewis-Wilson@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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

Job details

Job Reference: - WAI32615

Location: - North Island - Waikato - Hamilton

Job type: - Permanent Full time

Expertise: - Clinical - Mental Health - Registered Mental Health Nurse

Closes: - 11-Oct-2026