Kaitiaki Te Waka Hauora, Permanent

Apply today to join Te Waka Hauora at Nelson Hospital as a Kaitiaki and be a part of something meaningful and contribute to the health and well-being of our Māori and Pacifica community

• Permanent full time 1.0 FTE (80 hours per fortnight)

Ngā mōhiohio e pā ana ki tēnei mahi (About this position)

We are urgently seeking a Kaitiaki, starting as soon as possible. This role has a dual purpose to support our existing front -line staff in the hospital. As a Kaitiaki – Te Waka Hauora, you will be the central figure supporting Māori and Pacifica patients and their whānau during their time in the hospital. Key responsibilities include

• Facilitating a welcoming environment that respects and upholds Māori tikanga and kawa within hospital settings.
• Providing emotional and cultural support, acting as an advocate for Māori and Pacifica patients’ health and well-being.
• Collaborating with healthcare staff to ensure care is aligned with Māori cultural values, enhancing understanding and delivery of culturally appropriate services.
• Assisting whānau through the health process by explaining hospital procedures, connecting them to necessary resources, and offering guidance through various health and support services.
• Promoting awareness and education among hospital staff about concepts of Māori health and the importance of cultural safety.

If you are a dedicated professional ready to step in immediately, we would love to hear from you.

Ko wai he kaitono tōtika? (Who is an appropriate applicant?)

We are seeking a Kaitiaki with

• A strong understanding of Te Reo Māori, tikanga, and Māori perspectives on health and well-being.
• Proven experience working within Māori communities or in roles that support Māori health.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work compassionately and effectively with whānau and healthcare professionals.
• Strong advocacy skills to help uphold the cultural needs of Māori patients in a clinical setting.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems and relevant experience is an advantage, though training will be provided.

Ā mātou rōpū (About our team)

Health New Zealand, Nelson Marlborough has approximately 3000 employees, providing health services in the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions, serving almost 150,000 people. Facilities at Nelson Marlborough include four hospitals (Nelson, Wairau, Alexandra, and Murchison), a district wide public health service, and four community health Centre's located in Richmond, Marlborough, Motueka, and Golden Bay. Our vision is for all people to live well, get well, and stay well, and our mission is to work with the people of our community to promote, encourage, and enable their health, well-being, and independence. Respect, innovation, teamwork, and integrity represent our fundamental values.

Te Waka Hauora is a dedicated support service within Nelson Hospital, committed to providing culturally sensitive and holistic health support for Māori patients, Pacifica patients, and their whānau to access Specialist appointments. Our team is focused on integrating Māori and Pacifica perspectives on health and well-being into the care provided at Nelson Hospital, ensuring that patients’ cultural, spiritual, and physical needs are met throughout their healthcare journey.

Ētahi atu mōhiohio (More Information)

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34XErxkHJ5YAn59o6SrhnA

Ngā huanga o tēnei mahi (The benefits of this position) 

At Health NZ Nelson Marlborough we encourage a workforce that is innovative, eager to learn and enhance their skills, and passionate about caring for our community. You will collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to enhancing Māori health outcomes in a supportive environment where cultural safety and understanding are highly valued. You will contribute to a meaningful Kaupapa, supporting Māori patients and their whānau during their hospital journey and gain experience in a high-quality healthcare setting.

Nelson Hospital is committed to continuous professional development, offering a range of resources to support growth, ongoing training, and skill enhancement within our healthcare teams.

The Nelson Marlborough region, located at the summit of the South Island in Aotearoa, New Zealand, is spectacular. It is a great place to live for both work and leisure. Nelson offers all the luxuries and attractions one would desire. It is well connected to the rest of New Zealand and the world via its centrally located and well served domestic airport terminal.

The schools are excellent. There are three national parks nearby providing ample opportunities for quality family-time and appreciation of nature’s wonders. The regions renowned for its breath-taking natural landscapes, with stunning geography capturing everything from unbelievably long golden beaches to rugged mountains and untouched forests. Nelson, where healthcare meets adventure, offers endless opportunities for mountain biking, walking/hiking, water sports and skiing. The region is also well known for its café culture, wineries, art, crafts, and relaxed lifestyle. Visit the pages to uncover more about how to strike a better work-life balance in Nelson https://www.nelsontasman.nz/ and https://www.newzealand.com/nz/nelson-tasman/

Me pēhea ahau e tono ai? (How do I apply?)

For general enquiries please contact our recruitment team on Athena.Nguyen@nmdhb.govt.nz

For role specific information please contact Tui Lister - Poukorowai Te Waka Hauora Team Leader of Māori Health, Tui.Lister@nmdhb.govt.nz

Click Apply Now or Please fill in our online application form and include a cover letter explaining your interest https://nmdhb.careercentre.net.nz. Applications via email will not be considered.

Ref: R3N24-029

Applications close: Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Health NZ Nelson Marlborough strongly endorses Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We believe that to achieve equity in health outcomes for Māori we need a workforce reflective of the population it serves. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who identify as Māori and we recruit for cultural competence.

He waka eke noa. We are all in this together.