Principal Advisor- Health Promotion - NPHS

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations — from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

We have the opportunity available to join the National Public Health Service (NPHS) Promotion Directorate as a Principal Advisor in the Alcohol Harm Prevention team. This is a permanent, full-time role.

The Principal Advisor is a senior level health promotion role, with expert skills and health promotion subject matter expertise, developed networks and relationships, experience working in health and / or in government, in academic / research and / or provider settings.

The Principal Advisor has advanced cultural capability, written and oral communication skills, a thorough understanding and experience with the machinery of government and policy process, and advanced understanding of health inequalities and communities of need.

About the Team / Service / Location

The NPHS within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga / wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.

About you

As a Principal Advisor, you are confident working in a fast-paced environment and getting ‘stuck in' with a range of work. You will have a strong eye for detail and quality, the ability to quickly understand new information, manage a broad range of work, write for a broad range of audiences, prioritise well and keep key players informed. You will be a natural problem solver, have good political nous and understand the healthcare ecosystem. Due to the wide-ranging nature of the work in this role, a varied background is welcome.

• A relevant tertiary qualification, and a minimum of eight to ten years' experience
• Public health subject matter expertise
• Experience in implementing and evaluating Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles into work and measuring impacts
• Experience, knowledge and skills in applying equity tools, including work with Māori and Pacific communities / stakeholders
• Experience in applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice, particularly in leading complex policy work
• Advanced understanding and experience working with the Machinery of Government, and developed relationships, including the Public Health Agency and Ministry of Health
• Advanced experience in writing / responding to Aide Memoire, Talking Points, Memo, Written / oral parliamentary questions as required
• Knowledge of alcohol harm prevention is beneficial

Working for 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 Thursday, 4 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay via

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

Job details

Job Reference : HNZ /

New Zealand - All Locations - Work from where you are

Job type : Permanent Full time

Non-clinical - Public Health - Public Health

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