Clinical Director

Clinical Director – Mental Health and Addiction Services

Palmerston North Hospital – Permanent, Part time (0.5FTE)

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.

We are seeking to permanently appoint a key role in the leadership of the organisation here at MidCentral. Success in this role requires visionary leadership, strategic collaboration, and strong advocacy to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and deliver meaningful, long-term improvements in health outcomes for our communities.

About the Role

The Clinical Director will work closely with the Group Manager Mental Health & Addiction Services and Healthy Ageing & Rehabilitation, and other clinical leaders within the division. This position drives planning, delivery, quality assurance, and evaluation of mental health services, ensuring excellence and equity at every level. Operating at an executive level, this role will act as a strategic advisor while implementing best practice across services.

This role is open to all clinical professional groups.

To be considered for this role you will have:

• Significant clinical leadership experience with proven decision-making and team leadership skills
• Strong awareness of equity issues, including, but not limited to, Māori health
• In-depth knowledge of mental health sector challenges
• Excellent communication skills (listening, group facilitation, report writing, public speaking)

About the Team/Service

Te Uru Rauhī, Mental Health & Addiction Services (MHAS) is responsible for the commissioning and delivery of primary, specialist, and community mental health & addiction services across a diverse urban and rural population of 186,000. We provide treatment for and connection to recovery-orientated services for individuals experiencing mental illness or addiction issues. Services are delivered across the continuum of lifespan, both regionally and locally, and include specialist community MH&A teams, kaupapa (Māori), Child Adolescent Mental Health Services, inpatient services, crisis response, acute alternatives, specialist primary mental health service, consultation-liaison MH, and specially designed residential programmes.

We are undergoing a transformational change for adult and crisis services, which sees a fundamental shift in the way services are delivered. Services are moving towards a wellness and recovery-focused approach in our community that prioritises access, choice, and care closer to home. This includes investment in digital technologies and a new state-of-the-art acute inpatient unit.

Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand – Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua | MidCentral provides healthcare services to over 190,000 people, primarily across the Manawatū, Horowhenua, and Tararua regions. With a large hospital campus in Palmerston North, we also deliver key health care and support services to neighbouring communities.

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life. The region includes the charming towns of Feilding, Kimbolton, Āpiti, Himatangi Beach, Linton and Ashhurst to name a few, and at the centre of it all is the city of Palmerston North, the lively, multi-cultural heart of Manawatū. Over 120,000 people choose to call Manawatū home, and with a diverse landscape like this it's easy to see why

It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help a with true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business ).

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. For enquiries about this position, please contact Keyur Anjaria, Human Resources Business Partner, at

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

Closing date for applications: 31 January 2026