Registered Nurses - Forensic Inpatient wards

• Puawai forensic service - Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre (HRBC), Waikato Hospital
• Full time and part time positions available - rostered shift work

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 Registered Nurses| Tapuhi Whai Rēhitatanga to join our progressive recovery focused teams in our forensic mental health wards.

Māori are significantly represented across our services, which is why we are moving towards becoming a ‘culturally led, clinically underpinned’ service. Delivering excellent care in a culturally responsive manner, to support the best outcomes for Māori is fundamental to our mahi.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Assess, maintain and manage clinical risk.
• Build relationships with tāngata whaiora , whanau and support agencies.
• Conduct thorough assessments of tāngata whaiora health status and develop appropriate care plans in partnership with them.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for tāngata whaiora.
• Commit to the MDT approach with a focus on excellent service delivery.

These roles offer an opportunity to work as part of a dynamic and passionate team in our forensic in-patient mental health environments. There are opportunities to work in either acute or rehabilitation areas. Candidates with experience working in mental health settings or corrections settings in New Zealand will be prioritised for interview.

Click here to view the position description.

About Hamilton

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• 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.
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.
• Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and current APC with scope to work in mental health.
• Experience working in New Zealand in a mental health or corrections environment.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

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 online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 22 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at amanda.lewis-wilson@waikatodhb.health.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.