• Lead and influence system‑wide change to grow, retain, and strengthen the Pacific health workforce in a dual‑purpose leadership role
• Drive strategic Pacific workforce development programmes while embedding equity‑focused improvements across the health system
• Permanent, full‑time position based in Manukau

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

The Head of Pacific Workforce Development will lead and influence the system changes necessary to address the under-representation of Pacific peoples in the health sector workforce. This role has a dual purpose; the first is sustaining and growing high-performing Pacific-specific programmes. In parallel, this team influences the implementation of improvements in existing pathways for professionals and other workforce within the system. Retention and training opportunities across the Pacific Health Group will also be supported by this team.

About the Team/Service/ Location

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 are a values‑driven, strategic leader who thrives in complex, fast‑paced environments and brings clarity, confidence, and purpose to your work. With deep experience leading significant change, you take a solutions‑focused approach and make sound, thoughtful decisions that deliver meaningful outcomes. You build credibility and trust quickly, communicating effectively with senior leaders, clinical teams, community partners, and external stakeholders. Highly organised and adaptable, you confidently manage competing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on quality, equity, and continuous improvement.

You are motivated by making a genuine difference and are seeking a collaborative, outcomes‑focused health environment where your leadership, cultural capability, and strategic expertise directly contribute to workforce development and organisational success.

• Leadership & Strategic Experience: Proven senior leadership experience, including developing and implementing strategic workforce and organisational plans, leading large and diverse teams, and driving improvement in complex systems.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptionally strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, advocate, and build alignment across clinicians, staff, health leadership, communities, and external partners.
• Community & Equity Partnerships: Demonstrated experience working in partnership with Pasifika communities and/or in equity‑targeted work, with a strong understanding of culturally responsive approaches. Proficiency in, or a commitment to learning, a Pacific language is desirable.
• Business, Process & System Improvement: Sound business acumen, including experience across general management, P&L, capital planning, and process and system improvement to enable sustainable change and service improvement.
• Professional Integrity & Initiative: A high degree of integrity and discretion in managing sensitive information. You work autonomously, think laterally, troubleshoot non‑routine issues, and develop effective solutions where gaps exist, while modelling accountability, self‑awareness, and continuous leadership growth.

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 Sunday, 24 May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett at Maria.Bennett1@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.