Clinical Nurse Specialist, Kidz First Research

Clinical Nurse Specialist, Kidz First Research

• Middlemore Hospital, Fixed Term Part Time Role
• Senior Nurse Opportunity
• Monday-Friday

Our Organisation:

Health NZ Counties Manukau is a dynamic and progressive organisation at the forefront of innovative health care delivery within the New Zealand Public Health Sector. We continue to work with others to achieve equity in key health indicators for Maaori, Pacific and communities with health disparities and will continue to develop and implement plans, based on local needs to improve the health and wellbeing of Counties Manukau region. Our main sites are Middlemore Hospital, Kidz First Hospital and Manukau Health Park.

We are part of Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, the overarching organisation for New Zealands national health service. HNZ leads the day-to-day running of the health system, with functions delivered at local, district, regional and national levels. 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 Maaori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

About the Role:

Make a meaningful impact on paediatric health outcomes through high-quality research at Kidz First.

Kidz First is seeking a passionate and skilled Maaori or Pacific Clinical Nurse Specialist to join our dedicated research team. This role plays a key part in supporting and delivering research and quality improvement projects that improve the health and wellbeing of our tamariki and whaanau.

As the Research Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will lead and support the planning, scoping and implementation of research projects within Kidz First, including studies focused on respiratory illness and other priority areas. Working collaboratively with the Kidz First Research Team, clinical staff, and external research partners such as universities, you will help ensure the safe, culturally responsive, high-quality conduct of clinical research.

You will be the clinical point of reference for research activities, creating strong relationships across multidisciplinary teams to ensure tamariki and whaanau receive exceptional support throughout their participation in research.

This is a fixed-term 12-month position funded through the Kidz First Research Fund.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Research Coordination

• Coordinate research activities with Principal Investigators.
• Support the development, planning and implementation of new research opportunities.
• Promote research engagement within the Kidz First Division.
• Identify risks, gaps or process improvements to ensure research quality and safety.
• Demonstrate leadership in clinical best practice and professional behaviour.

Clinical Research Practice

• Participate in research using sound methodology and ethical, regulatory and cultural frameworks.
• Serve as a senior clinical resource for staff involved in research.
• Maintain high-quality documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and assist with ethics submissions, Māori research consultation, and regulatory approvals.
• Contribute to funding applications as required.

Data Collection & Management

• Collect and enter data from clinical records, clinician input, patient interviews and questionnaires.
• Maintain secure and accurate research records, databases and documentation (e.g. RedCAP, Excel).
• Participate in audit, quality improvement and ongoing evaluation of research practice.

Professional Practice

• Uphold high standards of nursing professionalism, cultural safety and ethical practice.
• Maintain a professional portfolio and annual practising certificate.
• Participate in supervision, education, and performance review processes.
• Apply critical reasoning and expert clinical judgement to research activities.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi Commitment

• Actively uphold the principles of Partnership, Participation and Protection, ensuring that research activities support equitable outcomes for Māori and honour Te Ao Māori values and practices.

About You:

• NZ Registered Nurse with a current Annual Practicing Certificate.
• 5+ years post registration paediatric nursing experience in NZ.
• Current Proficient/Expert PDRP
• Relevant post graduate qualification

Desired:

• Previous research experience

Why Join Us?

At Kidz First, you will be part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to improving paediatric care and health equity for our communities. This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful research that has real impact on clinical practice and outcomes for tamariki and whaanau.

You will work within a collaborative environment that encourages growth, innovation, and professional development.

Apply online at If you have any questions, please contact Fran Upoko in the Recruitment Team at

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

Job Number: CMH

Application Closes: 3 December 2025