Clinical Psychologist - Puawai - Midland Regional Forensic Service

• Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre, Hamilton - Inpatient units of Puawai, Midland Regional Forensic Service
• Permanent – 80 hours per fortnight

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

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Clinical Psychologist to work in the context of multidisciplinary inpatient teams committed to providing excellent evidence-based biopsychosocial treatment to people with offending and mental health history.

You should have some years of clinical experience working with complex clients and support the expression of hauora Māori models of care and mātauranga Māori and support the pursuit of equitable health outcomes for Māori.

You will receive on-the-job training and supervision regarding the legal, cultural and clinical issues relevant to forensic services.

The position involves working with tāngata whaiora via a variety of psychological assessments, psychological therapies and other interventions. Due to their legal status, most of our tāngata whaiora stay for long periods of time. This affords unique opportunities for longitudinal assessments and long-term psychotherapeutic work as well as getting to know and involving willing whanau.

You will also provide psychological consults and support to other team members as well as supervision for interns, depending upon your own level of experience. Continuing professional development is encouraged and supported via annual training allowances for each psychologist.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team or Service

You will be part of and receive supervision and training from Senior and Consultant Clinical Psychologists with many decades of mental health and forensic experience. The psychology group is headed by a Clinical Lead Psychologist who oversees all of the psychologists working with the MDTs of the Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services (MFRPS) of Te Whatu Ora Waikato. In addition to inpatient treatment the MRFPS also provides mental health services in prisons via mental health in-reach teams, outpatient treatment and monitoring of forensic clients in the community as well as court-ordered forensic evaluations.

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

As a Clinical Psychologist you will:

• Be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board with scope of practice.
• Support the pursuit of Māori health gains as well as achieving equitable health outcomes for Māori.
• Support Māori oversight and ownership of decision-making processes necessary to achieve Māori health equity.
• Support the expression of hauora Māori models of care and mātauranga Māori.
• Have knowledge of and experience working with complex tāngata whaiora in mental health or corrections settings

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 22 November 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis at amanda.lewis-wilson@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.