Kaiawhina Support Worker, South Island Eating Disorders Service

• Hillmorton Hospital, Christchurch
• Fixed Term part time (20 hours per week), to 30 June, 2026
• Brand new role 

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

As a Kaiawhina you will engage with Tangata Whaiora and their whānau mai te timatatanga (at the point of referral) to ensure any barriers for accessing maimoatanga are addressed. You will support them through their journey by providing culturally appropriate care. You will share your knowledge of Tikanga and Taonga Māori with colleagues to support culturally appropriate practices.

This is a new role which will give voice to our commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring our partnership with Māori is at the forefront of what we do.

The role will smooth the pathway and improve access for Tangata Whaiora and their Whānau, to access maimoatanga  for Eating Disorders, and to improve their journey while they are in the service.

This will be a partnership between Te Whatu Ora Waitaha and Purapura Whetu. Barriers to access and care will be reduced to ensure Tangata Whaiora have access to a service based on Tikanga principles.

Alongside reducing barriers to accessing treatment for Tangata Whaiora and their Whānau, we anticipate the treatment will be experienced as safer and in line with Māori models of health and wellbeing. You will work with the roopu at South Island Eating Disorders and Purapura Whet. 

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our clinical team is a multidisciplinary team providing evidence-based maimoatanga to Tangata Whaiora who have an eating disorder. We offer both inpatient treatment through our ward, Whāngai Aroha, and community-based treatment. We are a regional service with responsibilities for supporting clinicians throughout the South Island.

About you

As a Kaiawhina, you will display leadership character and enhance service delivery within the teams. Below are the qualifications, knowledge, skill and experience we are seeking:

• Qualifications in Health/ Wellbeing or working towards one
• Knowledge of Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga Māori
• Current full drivers’ licence
• Research skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to organise and plan workload
• An ability to effectively engage with a wide range of whānau/hapu/iwi
• Ability to influence others and facilitate groups
• Commitment to ongoing self-development

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 by Wednesday 28th January. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa.Gray2@tewhatuora.govt.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.