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Posted 18 August, 2026

Chief of Psychiatry | Hillmorton Hospital

Taranaki District Health Board
Christchurch, CAN, NZ Full Time
Reference: a5b694bf9cde14c1

Job Description

Chief of Psychiatry | SMHS, Waitaha Canterbury Leadthe strategic direction of one of New Zealand's largest specialistpsychiatry services. Full-timeexecutive leadership role with flexibility to support work-life balance. Drivetransformation through clinical leadership, innovation and servicedevelopment. 3 Year Fixed Term, 0.8 FTE About the Role We are seeking an exceptional Psychiatrist and clinicalleader to join Specialist Mental Health Services as our Chief of Psychiatry,based at Hillmorton Hospital in Christchurch. This is an opportunity to lead one of New Zealand's largestspecialist psychiatry services at a time of significant transformation,influencing clinical strategy, workforce development and innovative models ofcare that will shape the future of mental health services across WaitahaCanterbury. Reporting to the General Manager, and professionally to theChief Medical Officer, you will work in partnership with the General Manager aspart of the Divisional Leadership Team to provide collaborative clinicalleadership across Mental Health and Addiction Services. You will partner withClinical Directors, the Director of Nursing, Service Managers, and Nursing,Allied Health, HauoraMāori, Lived Experience and Operational Leaders to shape thefuture direction of services and deliver safe, high-quality, equitable andsustainable care for the people of Waitaha Canterbury. As Chief of Psychiatry, you will champion apartnership-based, holistic approach to leadership, recognising thatoutstanding mental health care is achieved through strong relationships, shareddecision-making and integrated models of care. You will foster a culture ofclinical excellence, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement whileensuring our medical workforce is supported to thrive. You will provide professional leadership to ConsultantPsychiatrists, Fellows and Resident Medical Officers, overseeing clinicalgovernance, workforce planning, professional development, wellbeing,credentialling and service innovation. While primarily an executive leadership position, thereis scope for the successful candidate to maintain a limited clinical practicewithin their area of expertise. We recognise the value that continued clinicalengagement can bring to senior medical leadership, and the structure of thiscomponent can be discussed with the successful candidate. About the Team / Service / Location Hillmorton Hospital is the hub of Specialist Mental HealthServices for Waitaha Canterbury, providing a comprehensive range of adult,older persons, forensic, rehabilitation and community mental health servicesacross the region. You will join an experienced and highly collaborativeleadership team dedicated to delivering integrated, recovery-focused andperson-centred mental health care while driving innovation, education, researchand service excellence. Based in Christchurch, the role offers the opportunity tobuild a rewarding leadership career while living in a well-connected city witheasy access to the wider Canterbury region and its outdoor and recreationalopportunities. About You As an experienced Consultant Psychiatrist and respectedclinical leader, you will bring: Fellowshipof the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)(or equivalent recognised specialist qualification) and eligibility forvocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. Aproven track record of successful clinical leadership within a complexhealthcare environment. Acollaborative leadership style that values partnership,relationship-building and a holistic approach to service delivery. Demonstratedexperience leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive,positive and high-performing workplace culture. Strongclinical governance, quality improvement and service developmentexperience. Demonstratedability to influence, build trusted relationships and work collaborativelyacross professional groups, services and organisational boundaries. Acommitment to improving equity of health outcomes for all communities. Excellentcommunication, strategic thinking and change leadership skills. Apassion for developing people, supporting medical workforce wellbeing andbuilding future clinical leaders. Leadership qualifications or formal training in management,coaching or organisational leadership would be advantageous. Working at Health New Zealand Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuringexcellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce thatis diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand andserve our communities. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific,disabled and rainbow communities. At Health New Zealand you will have the opportunity to: Leadmeaningful change that improves mental health outcomes for ourcommunities. Workregionally within Te Waipounamu. Workalongside experienced clinical and operational leaders. Influencestrategic service planning and innovation. Enjoyongoing leadership development and professional growth. Benefitfrom a full-time leadership role with flexibility in how the role may bestructured, including the opportunity to discuss maintaining a limitedclinical practice. Job details Job Reference: Job Reference: HMAH6252415 Location: South Island - Canterbury - Christchurch Job type: Job type: Contract/Temp Full time Expertise: Clinical - Senior Medical Officers, Medical Officers and Fellows - Psychiatry #J-18808-Ljbffr

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