Executive Assistant

South Island - Canterbury Christchurch; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora in Christchurch seeks an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high-level executive and secretariat support to up to two members of the IIG Senior Leadership Team.

You will manage diaries, correspondence, reports, meetings and travel logistics, enabling FunctionLeads to progress strategic priorities with discretion and professionalism in a fast-paced government environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or senior admin in a large or government organisation.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management with senior leaders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; comfortable with digital workflows and information systems.
• Discretion, confidentiality and proactive, adaptable approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level executive and secretariat support to up to two senior leaders.
• Manage correspondence and diaries, prepare documents/reports, coordinate meetings and travel logistics.
• Coordinate briefings and travel; act as first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate sound judgement and professionalism in supporting senior leaders.

Skills

Executive support

Stakeholder management

Calendar management

Confidentiality

Communication

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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

The Executive Assistant provides high‑level executive and secretariat support to up to two members of the IIG Senior Leadership Team.

In this pivotal role, you will enable the FunctionLeads to manage the complexity of their portfolios and deliver on strategic priorities across the Infrastructure&InvestmentGroup. You'll act as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, manage correspondence and diaries, prepare documents and reports, and coordinate key meetings, briefings, and travel logistics.

This role requires sound judgement, strong relationship‑building skills, and a high level of professionalism and discretion in supporting senior leaders.

About the Team/Service/ Location

The IIG team are focused on delivering high-impact infrastructure investments that support the transformation of New Zealand's health system. Giving support, oversight and assurance across projects and programmes, they understand that safe, fit for purpose health facilities, sites and equipment are essential for a well-functioning health system that improves the health of all New Zealanders.

About You

You are a highly organised and proactive professional with experience supporting senior executives in a complex, fast‑moving environment.

You thrive on variety, can manage competing priorities with composure, and have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. You're known for your initiative, confidentiality, and ability to anticipate needs before they arise.

You naturally build strong working relationships and maintain a calm, solutions‑focused approach under pressure. Most importantly, you are committed to delivering outcomes that support communities and reflect TeWhatuOra's values.

You will bring:

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant or in a similar senior administrative role, ideally within a large or government organisation
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise, meet tight deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure
• Exceptional communication and relationship‑management skills, including with senior leaders and external agencies
• Strong proficiency in the MicrosoftOffice Suite and confidence managing digital workflows and information systems
• Sound judgement, discretion, and professionalism when managing confidential or sensitive information
• A proactive, adaptable attitude and a passion for supporting leadership teams to deliver their best work

Working for 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:

Job Reference: HNZ/1946952

Location:

South Island - Canterbury - Christchurch

Job type:

Job type: Permanent Full time

Expertise:

Non-clinical - Administration - Administration