Executive Assistant (Fixed Term)

Public Service; Christchurch; Hybrid; NZD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking an Executive Assistant (Fixed Term) based in Christchurch with a hybrid model (3 days in the office). You will support a senior leader in health planning, funding and outcomes across Te Waipounamu, handling confidential matters, calendar management and travel arrangements.

Responsibilities include drafting papers, coordinating meetings, processing invoices, and producing reports.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience as an Executive Assistant supporting a senior leader.
• Highly organized, discreet and proactive with strong relationship-building skills.
• Strong calendar management, meeting coordination and minute-taking abilities.
• Experience with processing invoices and financial reporting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage executive calendars, arrange meetings, and prepare papers.
• Draft communications and correspondence on the manager's behalf.
• Coordinate travel, accommodation, and logistics.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, or quarterly reports and manage invoices.

Skills

Calendar management

Meeting coordination

Minute taking

Invoices & reporting

Travel arrangements

Communication skills

Team coordination

Continuous improvement

Equity & Te Tiriti knowledge

Education

Diploma in Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft 365 / Outlook

Financial software (invoicing)

Job description

# Executive Assistant (Fixed Term) at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **Based in Christchurch with a hybrid model – 3 days in the office, Fixed Term Opportunity until 30 June 2027*** **Be the trusted right hand to a senior leader shaping health planning, funding and outcomes across Te Waipounamu*** **Join a supportive network of Executive Assistants, grow your expertise**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**As an Executive Assistant, you will be the trusted right hand to your Group or Regional Manager, providing high-quality, timely executive support and handling matters of a highly confidential and sensitive nature. No two days are the same – you'll manage a busy calendar and inbox, draft communications and correspondence on your Manager's behalf, coordinate meetings, gather meeting papers and make sure outcomes are captured and followed up.You'll also arrange and problem-solve travel and accommodation, manage financial administration such as processing invoices, reconciling payments and expenses, and prepare weekly, monthly or quarterly reports. As a key point of contact between leaders, employees, stakeholders and external partners – including sector bodies, health providers and the Minister's office – you'll bring a proactive, no-surprises approach and look for opportunities to improve systems and processes that help the whole team work more efficiently.**About the Team and Location**You'll join our Planning, Funding & Outcomes (PFO) team in Te Waipounamu, which plays a key role in delivering the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) vision – a health system where people live longer in good health, enjoy an improved quality of life, and where there is equity between all groups. You'll work alongside fellow Executive Assistants to ensure seamless cover across PFO teams, and build strong relationships with colleagues across Hauora Māori Services, Pacific Health Commissioning, internal commissioning teams, NPHS, HSS and the Executive Regional Director's Office. Guided by Te Mauri o Rongo – the New Zealand Health Charter – our team values working with heart, supporting one another and working together for a common purpose.**About you**To succeed in this role, you'll have 3–5 years' experience as an Executive Assistant supporting a senior executive and their team, along with a relevant qualification (or be working towards one) or equivalent experience. You'll be highly organised, discreet and proactive, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels – from senior officials to health sector leaders. You will bring:* Proven experience in calendar management and meeting coordination for senior leaders* Strong secretariat skills, including minute taking and collation of minutes* Experience in financial administration, such as processing invoices, reconciling payments and financial reporting* Confidence in making travel and accommodation arrangements* Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills* Experience in team coordination and administration, supporting multiple people, with exposure to project coordination* A proactive approach to identifying and implementing continuous improvements in systems and processes* An understanding of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equity, including building relationships with Māori and Pacific groups**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 now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal by **11:59PM Thursday 12 November 2026**. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on [e-mail].**The full position description is available on the Health New Zealand Careers site.****We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.**## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Te Whatu Ora || Location: | Canterbury || Position type: | Fixed Term || Category: | Administration || Date listed: | 29-Oct-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 12-Nov-2026 || Reference: | HNZ/1954254 || Attachment: | 1954254 PD - Executive Assistant.pdf (PDF, 276KB)Job Description || File links: | || Website: | |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.