Executive Assistant (Fixed Term)

• Based in Christchurch with a hybrid model – 3 days in the office, Fixed Term Opportunity until 30 June 2027

• Be the trusted right hand to a senior leader shaping health planning, funding and outcomes across Te Waipounamu

• Join a supportive network of Executive Assistants, grow your expertise

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

As an Executive Assistant, you will be the trusted right hand to your Group or Regional Manager, providing high-quality, timely executive support and handling matters of a highly confidential and sensitive nature. No two days are the same – you'll manage a busy calendar and inbox, draft communications and correspondence on your Manager's behalf, coordinate meetings, gather meeting papers and make sure outcomes are captured and followed up.

You'll also arrange and problem-solve travel and accommodation, manage financial administration such as processing invoices, reconciling payments and expenses, and prepare weekly, monthly or quarterly reports. As a key point of contact between leaders, employees, stakeholders and external partners – including sector bodies, health providers and the Minister's office – you'll bring a proactive, no-surprises approach and look for opportunities to improve systems and processes that help the whole team work more efficiently.

About the Team and Location

You'll join our Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO) team in Te Waipounamu, which plays a key role in delivering the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) vision – a health system where people live longer in good health, enjoy an improved quality of life, and where there is equity between all groups. You'll work alongside fellow Executive Assistants to ensure seamless cover across PFO teams, and build strong relationships with colleagues across Hauora Māori Services, Pacific Health Commissioning, internal commissioning teams, NPHS, HSS and the Executive Regional Director's Office. Guided by Te Mauri o Rongo – the New Zealand Health Charter – our team values working with heart, supporting one another and working together for a common purpose.

About you

To succeed in this role, you'll have 3–5 years' experience as an Executive Assistant supporting a senior executive and their team, along with a relevant qualification (or be working towards one) or equivalent experience. You'll be highly organised, discreet and proactive, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels – from senior officials to health sector leaders. You will bring:

• Proven experience in calendar management and meeting coordination for senior leaders

• Strong secretariat skills, including minute taking and collation of minutes

• Experience in financial administration, such as processing invoices, reconciling payments and financial reporting

• Confidence in making travel and accommodation arrangements

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

• Experience in team coordination and administration, supporting multiple people, with exposure to project coordination

• A proactive approach to identifying and implementing continuous improvements in systems and processes

• An understanding of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equity, including building relationships with Māori and Pacific groups

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 11:59PM Thursday 12 November 2026. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.

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