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
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) provide clinical expertise to nursing leaders and nurses ensuring health needs of taangata whaiora are identified. The focus is on supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and recovery-focused care for taangata whaiora as part of quality improvement.
The CNS will be a subject matter expert in forensic mental health nursing and provide education and training to kaimahi. It is a senior nurse role within the team and contributes to maintaining a therapeutic environment while supporting the appropriate management of risk and safety.
Key responsibilities:
Click here to view the position description.
About the Team/Service
We currently have one Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) position available, working across Puna Poi Poi and Puna Taupua, our medium secure forensic rehabilitation wards.
Puna Poi Poi has 11 beds and provides care for taangata whaiora who are predominantly male (taane).
Puna Taupua has 10 beds and provides care for predominantly waahine (female) taangata whaiora, with a strong focus on gender-responsive care and supporting the specific needs of waahine.
Both wards support taangata whaiora to rehabilitate, reintegrate into the community, and reconnect with whaanau and loved ones.
Both teams are multidisciplinary and include nurses, mental health assistants, doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, Takawaenga, and activities facilitators.
About Hamilton
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
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 31 July 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at [email protected]
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.