Pou Hāpai - Whānau Engagement and Experience Specialist

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Pou Hāpai, Whānau Engagement Specialist
•  Taranaki Base Hospital,
•  Permanent Fulltime

This role offers a powerful opportunity to directly improve health outcomes for whānau Māori by making services more accessible, culturally safe, and guided by whānau themselves.

This is purpose-driven mahi where you’ll see the real-world impact of helping whānau access care that truly meets their needs. You’ll grow professionally, gaining skills in Māori health, systems navigation, and cross-cultural collaboration, all while being backed by a dedicated team committed to achieving better outcomes for Māori in Taranaki.

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

As the vital link between whānau Māori and health services, you’ll guide them through complex care pathways with clarity and compassion. Your days will involve assessing cultural needs, arranging tailored support, and advocating for whānau across hospitals and community providers. You’ll also uplift the cultural capability of staff through training and advice, while collaborating with iwi, health providers, and community groups to design solutions that work better for Māori.

Please click here to view the position description

About the Team/Service/ Location

You’ll be joining Te Pā Harakeke, the Māori Health Directorate a tight-knit team deeply passionate about uplifting whānau wellbeing. Together, you’ll provide hands-on support to help whānau Māori navigate health services with confidence, while shaping better ways for the system to meet their needs.

Based in Taranaki, you’ll work in a region rich with Māori community networks and strong relationships with local iwi health providers. From the coast to the maunga, you’ll be part of a movement to ensure health services honour whānau voices and deliver meaningful change where it matters most.

For more information on living and working in Taranaki click here

About you

· Health or community experience: Background in advocacy, social services, or whānau support.

· Connector: Skilled at building trust with whānau and partnering with diverse organisations.

· Problem-solver: Able to navigate complex systems and advocate for whānau needs.

· Organised and adaptable: Manages varied tasks, from whānau care to reporting and service improvements.

· Cultural confidence: Comfortable in te ao Māori, with understanding of te reo and tikanga (or willingness to learn).

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 now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by Monday 30 June 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tamati Neho, Chief Māori Health and Equity Officer at tamati.neho@tdhb.org.nz

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