Pukenga Atawhai - Adult Acute Inpatient


  • 2x 1.0FTE Permanent positions available
  • A strong knowledge of Te Ao Māori is essential 
  • Experience in a mental health setting is highly desirable

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

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for an Pukenga Atawhai to join the Adult Acute Inpatient Service within the Adult Inpatient Group of Specialist Mental Health Services, in a full time, permanent role.

Te Awakura is a 4 unit, 64 bed facility for adults with acute mental illness who require 24 hour care. Our multidisciplinary teams work with community mental health teams and other agencies to provide assessments and treatment.

By early 2028 the service will provide 80 beds in a new state of the art facility on the Hillmorton Hospital campus.

Our service is fully staffed and carries a high level of clinical expertise. We are looking for a motivated and positive Pukenga Atawhai to uphold tikanga, strengthen cultural pathways, and foster manaakitanga and whanaungatanga within our supportive multidisciplinary teams.

Pukenga Atawhai also support other teams as needed and participate in an out-of-hours on call roster.

Our service's philosophy is whanaungatanga - acknowledging the centrality of whānau in our work and the lives of tangata whaiora.

As a Pukenga Atawhai you will:

  • Awhina and manaaki our tangata whaiora and whānau
  • Connect and engage with tangata whaiora to understand their cultural requirements through assessments (Te Arotakenga - cultural assessments)
  • Work alongside and guide our qualified health professionals to be culturally responsive
  • Tautoko (support) our kaimahi (staff) in understanding Tikanga Māori

About You

To be successful as a Pukenga Atawhai, your core strengths will include:

  • A strong knowledge of Te Ao Māori (Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga Māori) and ability to apply these values when connecting with others.
  • A natural ability to build and nurture relationships and work in a professional manner with others.
  • High level of organisational skills and ability to be flexible.
  • Reflective communication practices and a holistic view when caring for others.
  • A NZ driver's license is essential.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand.

We are committed to strengthening the Māori workforce to better support tangata whaiora, whānau, and equitable health outcomes.

  • As this role requires Māori whakapapa, we welcome applications from Māori and recognise the richness and diversity within our Māori communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click 'apply now.' All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by Thursday, 28th May. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lisa Gray at 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.

Apply now

Permanent/Full Time

Job no: PC4316312

Location: Christchurch

Closing Date: Thursday, 28th May