• Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre - Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
• Permanent, full-time position
• Provide clinical and operational leadership to a dynamic and passionate team within a forensic rehabilitation setting

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

Associate Charge Nurse Manager roles are essential in creating partnerships with Māori across all levels including tāngata whaiora, whānau, Māori staff and the Kaitakawaenga team, and supporting our non-Māori staff to work together in reducing inequity.

This role works in partnership with, and supports, the Charge Nurse Manager to provide clinical and operational leadership within a forensic rehabilitation setting. The focus is on supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and recovery-focused care for tāngata whaiora.

This is a key senior role within the team and contributes to maintaining a therapeutic environment while supporting the appropriate management of risk and safety.

Key responsibilities:

• Supports the Charge Nurse Manager to build a high performing team that upholds the culture, values, mission and vision of the service
• Assists with the management of the workflow and workload across the clinical area
• Provides clinical leadership and oversight for areas as delegated by the Charge Nurse Manager
• Engages and works collaboratively with all stakeholders, particularly tāngata whaiora and whānau
• Supports the pursuit of Māori health gains as well as achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

Our new medium secure forensic rehabilitation ward is a 10 bedded forensic unit that supports tāngata whaiora to re-integrate into the community and connect with whanau and loved ones. This ward will provide care for tāne and wāhine.

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 Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings
• A Registered Nurse who has demonstrated clinical experience in a mental health setting
• Ability to display initiative and resourcefulness that will allow you to navigate the variety of challenges you could face
• Experience in leadership roles is an advantage
• Experience in either forensic mental health environments or corrections environments is an advantage
• Sound clinical judgement and decision-making capability

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 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 12 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at Amanda.Lewis-Wilson@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.