Public Health Medicine Specialist - Palmerston North - NPHS

# Public Health Medicine Specialist - Palmerston North - NPHS at Te Whatu Ora, Manawatu / Whanganui## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **An opportunity to make a positive impact in an organisation that makes a difference to people's lives*** **Permanent full time Public Health Medicine Specialist role based in MidCentral/Whanganui district of National Public Health Service**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**We have an opportunity available to join our team as a Public Health Medicine Specialist. This is a permanent, full-time role based in Palmerston North/Whanganui in Te Ikaroa-Central region of the National Public Health Service (NPHS). Some flexibility around working arrangements may be possible.In this role, you will lead the delivery of public health services and collaborate with NPHS colleagues to ensure high-quality public health work. You will undertake the statutory duties and responsibilities of a designated Medical Officer of Health, including participating in an on-call roster and providing support to public health responses to disease notifications, disease outbreaks, environmental health incidents and emergency response. You will provide public health medicine advice and guidance around the delivery of a cohesive, effective, and equitable health system to ensure better health outcomes across the region.**About the Team/Service/ Location**The National Public Health Service (NPHS) within Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, work towards Pae Ora (healthy futures) for all by engaging with the wider determinants that impact people's health, focusing on oranga/wellbeing, prevention, protection, and population-level intervention. We are connected across boundaries to deliver public health services that are nationally planned, regionally delivered and locally tailored.**About you**You understand the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and are skilled in applying its principles effectively in your role. You build and maintain positive relationships at all levels, enhancing the quality and contributions of individuals and teams to achieve the organization's vision and goals. Driven and accountable, you are aware of your impact on others and are committed to continuously improving your leadership practice.Desired skills and experience:* A medical degree (MBChB or recognized equivalent) with a current MCNZ Annual Practicing Certificate* Vocational registration as a specialist medical practitioner in public health* Already designated or able to work towards designation as a Medical Officer of Health* Must have an understanding of the New Zealand health sector and proven knowledge of equity models and practice* Experience working with Kaupapa Maori Health, social services and Pacific Health would be advantageous* Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.* Current New Zealand driver licence**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 **Sunday, 19 July 2026**. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Maria Bennett via [email protected]## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Te Whatu Ora || Location: | Manawatu / Whanganui || Position type: | Permanent Full time || Category: | Health || Date listed: | 03-Jul-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 19-Jul-2026 || Reference: | HNZ/1914285A || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | | #J-18808-Ljbffr