Job Description

Registered Nurse – Kaupapa Community Nurse (Tauranga)

In the heart of the Bay of Plenty, an opportunity exists to deliver care that is not only clinically excellent but culturally grounded. Health New Zealand | Bay of Plenty is seeking a passionate and community-focused Registered Nurse – Kaupapa Community Nurse to support whānau across Tauranga through a Kaupapa Māori model of care.

This is more than a nursing role — it’s a chance to contribute to Toi Ora and help shape a healthcare system that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi while improving outcomes for Māori communities.

About the Organisation

As part of Health New Zealand | Bay of Plenty, this role sits within a nationally connected public healthcare network committed to equitable, accessible, and high-quality care.

Grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the organisation is building a future-focused health system that embraces:

  • Cultural safety and responsiveness
  • Community-based healthcare delivery
  • Workforce diversity and inclusion
  • Evidence-based clinical excellence

With a strong presence in Tauranga and across the Bay of Plenty, Health New Zealand supports hospital services, regional health services, and community health initiatives that improve long-term wellbeing.

About the Role – Registered Nurse | Kaupapa Community Nurse

Location: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Employment Type: Permanent, Part-Time (0.4 FTE – 16 hours per week)
Work Setting: Community-based / On-site coordination through Tauranga Hospital

This Registered Nurse – Kaupapa Community Nurse position supports urihaumate and whānau living in the community, including individuals with complex clinical health conditions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Delivering Kaupapa Māori nursing care across diverse community settings
  • Providing comprehensive nursing assessments and interventions
  • Supporting whānau-centred health plans
  • Championing Toi Ora knowledge and cultural competence within the workforce
  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and community providers

This role offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment with strong professional support and opportunities for postgraduate study.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate brings both clinical expertise and cultural leadership.

Essential Requirements

  • Registered Nurse (Nēhi) with current Annual Practising Certificate (New Zealand)
  • Strong understanding of Māori health models and Te Ao Māori perspectives
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Commitment to te reo Māori me ōna tikanga
  • Ability to build trusted relationships across communities

Preferred Experience

  • Kaupapa Māori nursing experience
  • Experience working across community and hospital health services
  • Demonstrated leadership aligned with He Pou Oranga Tāngata Whenua values

Why Join Health New Zealand | Bay of Plenty?

Working within Health New Zealand | Bay of Plenty means contributing to meaningful change in public healthcare across New Zealand.

Employee Benefits

  • Subsidised onsite hospital gym membership
  • Free annual flu vaccinations
  • Discounted goods and staff benefits
  • Ongoing professional development support
  • Inclusive, values-driven workplace culture

The organisation actively welcomes applications from Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled individuals, and rainbow communities — strengthening diversity within the healthcare workforce.

Our Commitment to Equity and Toi Ora

Te Pare ō Toi is evolving as a “change engine” under Te Toi Ahorangi Rautaki 2030, leading transformative healthcare strategies within Te Moana a Toi. This role contributes directly to advancing culturally grounded, community-centred healthcare models that prioritise whānau wellbeing.

By integrating Kaupapa Māori principles into everyday clinical practice, Health New Zealand | Bay of Plenty continues to lead improvements in:

  • Māori community health outcomes
  • Cultural competence in nursing
  • Community healthcare Tauranga
  • Public health equity in New Zealand

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official online careers portal.

Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
Contact for Enquiries: Arahia Harawira – Arahia.Harawira@bopdhb.govt.nz

Early applications are encouraged, as recruitment may progress prior to the closing date.

Build a Future Where Whānau Thrive

If you are a Registered Nurse driven by purpose, cultural integrity, and community impact, this role offers the opportunity to practice nursing in a way that truly honours people, place, and whakapapa.

Join Health New Zealand | Bay of Plenty and be part of a movement reimagining public healthcare — ensuring mokopuna are raised in Mana Atua, Mana Tupuna, Mana Whenua, Mana Moana, and Mana Tangata.

Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for the Bay of Plenty.