Regional Mental Health & Addictions Programme & Performance Lead

• Permanent, full-time position

• Can be based anywhere within the Central Region

• Help strengthen regional Mental Health & Addiction performance, programme delivery and outcomes for our communities.

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.

The Central Region

Central Region (Te Ikaroa) has approximately 20,000 employees providing health services to our communities through district, regional and some national services. The region stretches from Hawkes Bay and Whanganui in the north, Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast to the west, Palmerston North in the centre, Wairarapa to the east, and Hutt Valley and Wellington to the south.

Our region is sparsely populated with most of the population clustered in urban areas: Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Wellington.

About the role

As the Regional Mental Health & Addiction Programme and Performance Lead – Central, you'll play a key role in strengthening regional performance, assurance and programme delivery. Reporting to the Regional Director Mental Health & Addiction, you'll bring together performance information, programme priorities and emerging risks to provide clear insights that support effective decision-making.

Working closely with Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO), district leaders and key stakeholders, you'll monitor progress against regional priorities, identify emerging risks and service pressures, and ensure agreed actions are followed through. You'll also provide high-quality performance reporting and advice, supporting accountability and continuous improvement across the region.

About you

You're an analytical, forward-thinking and collaborative professional who can translate complex information into clear insights and practical solutions. You build strong relationships, communicate confidently and work across teams to align priorities and drive results.

You're proactive in identifying risks and emerging trends, committed to high-quality reporting, and disciplined in following through on agreed actions. You remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgement in complex environments, and provide clear, well-considered advice to support effective decision-making.

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 11 November 2026.

If you would like to have a confidential, informal conversation about this role, please contact Paul Oxnam, Regional Director Mental Health & Addiction, at paul.oxnam@mhaids.health.nz