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Posted 15 August, 2026

Local Planning Manager - Planning, Funding and Outcomes

New Zealand Government
Wellington, WGN, NZ Full Time
Reference: b2b6e26763992aed

Job Description

Based anywhere in the Te Manawa Taki | Midlands, Permanent Full-time with a hybrid model - 3 days in the officeLead regional planning across Midlands Te Manawa TakiHealth 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 As the Planning Manager, you will lead regional planning across Midlands Te Manawa Taki, bringing together evidence, population health data, policy, service information and stakeholder insights to develop practical plans that support decision-making and improve health outcomes. Reporting to the Regional Planning Lead, you'll work across regional and national priorities to identify population health needs, set strategic priorities and translate these into clear work programmes, including the annual Planning, Funding and Outcomes regional workplan, local plans, and regional and national planning requirements. Working closely with the Clinical Service Planner, analytical teams and national Planning, Funding and Outcomes colleagues, you'll ensure population and clinical service planning are aligned to deliver the greatest benefit for the people of the region. About the Team and Location The Planning team is part of the Planning, Funding and Outcomes function for Midlands Te Manawa Taki. Working in a collaborative and highly connected environment, the team partners across Health New Zealand, Hauora Māori Services, the National Public Health Service, analytical teams and regional stakeholders to develop strategic, evidence-based plans that improve health outcomes and support sustainable service delivery. Based in the Midlands region, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to planning that impacts communities across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairāwhiti and Taranaki, while working closely with national colleagues to deliver on shared priorities. About you You'll be an experienced strategic planner with a relevant tertiary qualification and demonstrated success leading regional, local or national planning processes. You will, experience working with complex data and evidence, and the ability to influence and build trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, including Māori and Pacific communities. You'll also have an understanding of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the machinery of government, with the confidence to communicate complex information to senior leaders and diverse audiences. You will bring: Experience leading strategic planning within complex health, government or public sector environments. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate data and insights into practical planning outcomes. Proven ability to build effective relationships with Māori, clinicians, providers, community organisations and senior stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing advice for senior leaders. Strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to balance competing priorities. A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams. A commitment to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes for Māori. A continuous improvement mindset, with integrity, professionalism and accountability in everything you do. Working at Health New Zealand Health New ZealandHealth 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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