Principal Advisor Stakeholder Engagement

• Supports the development and coordination of reports and information to promote and advance the work of the region.

• Provide high-quality advice and written products to support regional and senior leadership to achieve regional and national goals

• Collaborates with teams across the region, to respond to opportunities internally and externally to promote and support Health NZ's regional activities.

• Build strong relationships with, external partners and key health sector stakeholders

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to more than 5 million people. With services spanning more than 80 locations, we are committed to building a health system that is accessible, equitable and focused on better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

About the role

This role is part of a small team working with the Manager Government and Advisory Services to ensure there is effective support and delivery of the range of government and advisory products required to support the running of the region.

As Principal Advisor, Stakeholder Engagement within the team you'll play a key role in supporting the effective running of the region and ensuring that the regional leadership team is able to share its objectives, achievements and challenges both internally and with key external stakeholders.

Working closely with the Manager, Executive Regional Director, regional leadership team and Communications teams, you'll lead and support a range of strategic advisory and engagement activities, including:

• Developing and delivering external engagement strategies that align with regional and national priorities.

• Preparing and reviewing high-quality communications, including media releases, reports, Official Information Act (OIA) responses, Aide Memoires, briefings, parliamentary questions and executive papers.

• Identifying opportunities to showcase regional achievements, promote success stories and strengthen relationships with government agencies, Ministers' offices and wider health sector stakeholders.

• Providing advice and support to senior regional leaders on external engagement opportunities and emerging issues.

• Assessing reputational risks, identifying potential challenges and advising on appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure a no-surprises approach.

This is an opportunity to use your strategic expertise to influence how the work and achievements of our health system are represented across the region.

About you

You're an experienced professional who is confident working with senior leaders, government stakeholders and external partners. You have exceptional writing and communication skills, sound political and organisational awareness, and the ability to navigate complex and sometimes sensitive issues.

You're comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities and providing clear, considered advice on reputational risks and emerging issues. You can build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and translate complex information into clear and effective messages for a range of audiences.

What you'll bring to the role

• 10+ years' experience in stakeholder engagement, government relations, public relations, communications or a similar field

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor complex messages to different audiences

• Experience preparing senior-level and ministerial communications, including briefings, Aide Memoires, reports and talking points

• Proven experience managing media enquiries, preparing media releases and responses

• Experience developing and delivering communication and stakeholder engagement programmes across multiple channels

• Knowledge of the Official Information Act and Privacy Act

• Experience building relationships with senior leaders, government agencies and external stakeholders

• Strong analytical, planning and organisational skills, with the ability to assess reputational risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Experience navigating government processes or working within a regulated environment

• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equity and improved health outcomes for Māori and all communities

You'll also bring an understanding of how regional advice informs national strategies and priorities, along with experience working across large organisations and multidisciplinary teams.

Why join us?

At Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora, you'll have the opportunity to influence how our health system connects with government, communities and key stakeholders across Te Waipounamu. You'll work closely with senior regional leaders and a diverse range of teams, helping communicate important work, navigate complex issues and support better outcomes for the communities we serve.

If you're a strategic communicator who enjoys building relationships, providing trusted advice and making a difference through meaningful stakeholder engagement, we'd love to hear from you.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is committed to delivering excellent healthcare for all New Zealanders. We embrace diversity and inclusion so that our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

We're also committed to creating an environment where people can bring their ideas, challenge the way things are done and continuously improve how we work.

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.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ash Mohan at ash.mohan@tewhatuora.govt.nz.