Senior Portfolio Lead, Service Improvement - Te Waipounamu - Hauora Māori Service

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

The Senior Portfolio Lead is responsible for leading key workstreams, fostering strong relationships, contributing to deliverables, meeting deadlines, and supporting team success. Through collaboration with a range of stakeholders, this role drives the development and implementation of health service improvements across Health New Zealand, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Additionally, the role provides Hauora Māori expertise to promote culturally safe, community-informed service design, support the growth of the Māori health workforce, and uphold Māori leadership and aspirations in health service delivery.

About the Team / Service

As the Hauora Māori Service of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) our core role is to ensure New Zealanders have better and more timely access to health care. The devolution of resources and decision making to the regions ensures those closest to service users and whānau are involved in decisions on how healthcare is delivered. We are committed to ensuring our operating model is responsive to the needs of Māori.

About you

You bring extensive experience in strategic planning, advisory, and portfolio management within complex organisations. With a strong understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, you collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders to drive meaningful outcomes. Your proven track record in systems improvement and workforce planning has contributed significantly to enhancing Māori capability and wellbeing.

You will have :

• Experience in advisory or a related field with at least 5-7 years of experience in a similar role within a large organisation
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft key governance documents and materials
• Proven analytical skills and problem-solving skills, with experience in the health sector considered an advantage

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 10 October 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Zerissa Ong on

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change affected kaimahi (staff) will be given preference and priority for this position.

Job details

Job Reference : Job Reference :

Location :

South Island - Otago - Dunedin

South Island - Canterbury - Christchurch

Job type : Permanent Full time

Expertise :

Non-clinical - Quality and Risk - All values

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