Takawaenga - Adult Mental Health wards

• Adult Inpatient Wards Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre, Waikato Hospital
• Fixed term for 6 months Monday to Friday 1500 to 2100

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

Takawaenga roles are essential in creating partnerships with Maori across all levels including tangata whaiora, whanau, Maori staff and supporting our non- Maori staff to work together in reducing inequity.

The Takawaenga role includes advocacy for tangata whaiora and whanau Maori accessing the service, cultural assessments and Tikanga Maori practises to tautoko tangata whaiora and whanau care and treatment plans. This role will work closely with Maori Clinical Nurse Specialists, Charge Nurse Managers and HRBC after-hours co coordinators.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Daily engagement with tangata whaiora and/or whanau Maori.
• Documentation related to engagement and cultural assessments.
• Tautoko after-hours admissions.
• Role model Tikanga best practice to tautoko the roll out of The Waiora framework.
• Advocacy and facilitation in hui to support tangata whaiora and whanau Maori.
• Tautoko and delivery of Maori cultural interventions.
• Work in collaboration with clinical staff and kaimahi to improve outcomes for Maori.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

The Takawaenga team sit within designated Mental Health and Addictions Service wards and teams in the inpatient and community settings. Takawaenga work alongside multi-disciplinary teams to improve the experience for all that access the service.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

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

• Competency with te ao Maori, tikanga, and te reo Maori.
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Matauranga Maori and Kaupapa Maori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
• Strong advocacy and facilitation skills utilising Tikanga Maori Waikato- Tainui.
• Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness that will allow you to navigate the variety of challenges you could face.
• Experience in working with Maori.

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 Maori, 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 2 February 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Millie Berryman at Millie.Berryman@waikatodhb.health.nz

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

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