Takawaenga - Adult Acute Inpatient Facility

Permanent 80 hours per fortnight Make a meaningful difference for Maaori health outcomes in a role grounded in tikanga, kaupapa Maaori, and whaanau-centred care Join a multidisciplinary team where your cultural expertise will help shape culturally safe and responsive mental health care Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. About the Role We are seeking a passionate and experienced Takawaenga to join our Adult Acute Inpatient Facility (AAIF) team. As a Takawaenga, you will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, providing Maaori cultural expertise that enhances cultural safety, strengthens whaanau engagement, and supports the delivery of Waiora Maaori-led approaches to care. Based within the inpatient ward environment, you will work closely alongside clinical teams, the Charge Nurse Manager, Senior Cultural Advisors, and whaanau to ensure tikanga Maaori, maatauranga Maaori, and cultural considerations are embedded throughout assessment, treatment, planning and transition processes. You will participate in daily handovers, contribute to clinical discussions, complete cultural assessments and provide cultural interventions that support the wellbeing of tangata whaiora and their whaanau. Key responsibilities: Complete and document cultural assessments that contribute to multidisciplinary care planning. Support meaningful whaanau participation and engagement throughout the care journey. Participate actively in ward handovers, MDT reviews and care planning discussions. Coach and support kaimahi to strengthen cultural capability and embed Waiora Ngaa Uara into everyday practice. Contribute to initiatives that improve Māori health equity and service development outcomes. About the Team/Service Adult Acute Inpatient Facility (AAIF) is part of the Mental Health and Addictions Service (MHAS) within Health New Zealand Waikato. Takawaenga are embedded within the ward environment and are recognised as essential members of the multidisciplinary team, providing cultural leadership and guidance that strengthens culturally responsive care for tangata whaiora and whānau. The service operates seven days a week, ensuring consistent access to cultural support and advocacy. About you As a Takawaenga, you will bring strong cultural knowledge, excellent relationship-building skills, and a passion for improving outcomes for Maaori. Able to work 7 days a week across all rostered shifts. A tertiary qualification in Māori Studies, a health-related qualification and/or equivalent experience within Kaupapa Māori systems. Demonstrated experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice. A current full driver’s licence. Excellent communication, relationship-building and collaboration skills. Experience working with whanau, hapuu, iwi, Māori providers or within mental health services would be advantageous. 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. Job details Job Reference: WAI31955 Location: North Island - Waikato - Hamilton Job type: Permanent Full time Expertise: Clinical - Community / Public Health - Maori Health Worker #J-18808-Ljbffr