Regional Clinical Lead, Mental Health

• Full-time, permanent position (flexible work options available)
• Based in the Te Manawa Taki | Midland Region

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

As the Regional Clinical Lead, Mental Health & Addiction, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of Hauora Māori services in your region. You will be supporting the day-to-day operations of regional Hauora Māori services, ensuring they are delivered in a way that is consistent with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You will work closely, supporting the planning and funding for the delivery of services and whānau-centred models of care, as well as connecting Hospital Services with Hauora Māori partners/providers.

About the Team/Service

As the Hauora Māori Service of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) our core role is to ensure New Zealanders have better and more timely access to health care. The devolution of resources and decision making to the regions ensures those closest to service users and whānau are involved in decisions on how healthcare is delivered. We are committed to ensuring our operating model is responsive to the needs of Māori.

About you

You will have experience providing regional Mental Health & Addiction leadership, management, delivery oversight and support of mental health services, driving a cultural of connectedness, continuous improvement, working collaboratively and through strong partnerships with other clinical disciplines, operational leaders to deliver high quality and safety outcomes for whānau. This role is accountable for ensuring that across the region integrated mental health services are delivered, with flexibility to simplify or intensify services, depending on what matters to whānau.

You will work collaboratively with other Regional Clinical Leads, across the regions and work closely with the Chief Mental Health & Addiction Hauora Māori Service to improve Hauora Maori outcomes.

You will have:

• A Tertiary or relevant qualification in Mental Health & Addiction with a current New Zealand practising certificate, alongside professional development recognition portfolio (PRDP)
• Māori leadership experience and ability to work with and influence senior leaders and decision makers
• 8+ years' experience including senior leadership and advisory experience

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.

To apply please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by 13 January 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on

Due to the December holiday period, this advert will remain open for an extended duration. Screening and interviews will commence from mid-January. We appreciate your patience and look forward to connecting with you in the new year.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.