Public Health Medicine Specialist - Waikato/Taupō - Te Manawa Taki - Nphs

• Come lead, grow, and thrive in Waikato — as part of a strong, connected regional team
• 2 permanent positions available (1.0 FTE and 0.85 FTE), with flexibility on FTE
• Location: based in Kirikiriroa and covers the Waikato/ Taupo Region

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

Are you ready to step into a senior public health leadership role in one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most dynamic and fast-growing regions? Join our Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) office as part of the wider Te Manawa Taki Public Health Medicine Specialist (PHMS) team, working collaboratively across the region to protect and improve population health.

We have 2 positions that will be firmly embedded within the regional PHMS team in Te Manawa Taki. The role is based in Kirikiriroa and covers the Waikato/ Taupo Region. You will also contribute to regional clinical leadership, statutory functions, and collective decision-making alongside colleagues across Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Tairāwhiti.

We operate as one connected regional service — sharing expertise, strengthening consistency of practice, and backing one another in complex decision-making. We are seeking a Public Health Medicine Specialist / Medical Officer of Health (MOoH) to join our established Waikato team within Te Manawa Taki.

We also welcome expressions of interest from Public Health Medicine Registrars completing advanced training in Aotearoa New Zealand, with consideration given to those nearing Fellowship.

This role offers the full breadth of public health mahi, spanning:

• Statutory public health leadership and decision-making under legislation
• Communicable disease investigation, control and outbreak management
• Environmental health and regulatory functions
• Health protection, prevention and equity-focused initiatives
• Immunisation and screening programme oversight
• Engagement with iwi, hapū, local authorities and cross-sector partners
• Clinical governance, supervision and regional service development

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.

• Why Kirikiriroa?

The region is diverse, growing, and full of opportunity — combining thriving urban centres with rich rural landscapes. Within 90 minutes you can reach stunning east and west coast beaches. World-class skiing on Mount Ruapehu is approximately 2½ hours away. Extensive cycling and hiking trails run right past our doorstep.

• Living in Kirikiriroa

Kirikiriroa is a vibrant river city offering the perfect balance between career opportunity and lifestyle.

• Kirikiriroa is known for:

• The award-winning Waikato Museum
• The brand-new Waikato Regional Theatre hosting international performances
• Being centrally located to Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua and Tauranga
• A diverse and growing café and restaurant scene
• Easy navigation and short commute times
• A strong academic presence through University of Waikato
• Proximity to iconic attractions like Hobbiton Movie Set
• A passionate sporting culture, home of the Chiefs

It's a fantastic place to build your career, enjoy genuine work–life balance, and raise a family.

About you

As a Public Health Medicine Specialist, you understand the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are skilled in applying its principles effectively in your role. You will work within a cohesive, experienced and supportive group of Medical Officers of Health, Public Health Medicine Registrars and House Officers who actively nurture, mentor and back one another. Our culture is built on collegiality, shared leadership, clinical excellence and professional respect — locally and regionally. Participation in a manageable 1:6 local on-call roster ensures both meaningful responsibility and a stimulating sustainable workload.

• Relevant graduate (and post-graduate) qualifications – Extensive clinical experience and expertise in public health medicine, with appropriate tertiary level professional qualification
• Be a registered medical practitioner with a current Annual Practising Certificate and vocational registration as a specialist medical practitioner in a relevant speciality (FNZCPHM, FAFPHM) or are near to meeting requirements for vocational registration or designation
• Must meet the requirements for designation as a Medical Officer of Health
• Extensive specialised experience normally gained through professional qualifications and significant post graduate experience
• Previous public sector and health sector experience
• Demonstrated ability to work in complex organisations and with diverse stakeholders
• Significant experience delivering on programmes of work in a complex environment
• Significant experience developing, implementing, and integrating strategic plans and change

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 Sunday, 29 March 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Anesha Pillay at Anesha.Pillay@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

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