Principal Advisor - Business Services - Nphs

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 have the opportunity available to join our Business Services team as a Principal Advisor in a permanent, full-time role.

The primary purpose of the role is to lead the development of high-quality advice to Ministers, working across the National Public Health Service, Health New Zealand and other agencies.

You will write high quality briefings, aide memoires, and advice for Ministers and senior leaders under time constraints.

About the Team / Service / Location

The National Public Health Service (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

You come with extensive machinery of government experience and knowledge of government structures and processes.

You have excellent analytical skills combined with an ability to quickly assimilate technical information from multiple sources under time pressures.

You are comfortable applying your knowledge and skills to deal effectively with complex and politically sensitive situations and topics.

• Graduate qualification in health or policy
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles
• Extensive experience writing high quality briefings, aide memoires and advice for Ministers and senior leaders under time constraints
• Experience in applying critical thinking and using sound judgement to develop options and provide advice, particularly in leading complex or contentious work
• An understanding of and ability to select, adapt and use a range of frameworks, principles, tools and methods and draw on experience to apply them appropriately to given issues
• Proven organisational skills with the ability to think ahead, use initiative, establish priorities and meet deadlines whilst preserving high levels of accuracy and confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail, grammar and formatting
• Health system experience is desirable

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 Maori, 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 Tuesday 30th September 2025.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay at

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