Takawaenga - Adult Acute Inpatient Facility

Marketplace; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato seeks a Takawaenga to join the Adult Acute Inpatient Facility (AAIF). The role provides Maaori cultural expertise to enhance cultural safety, strengthen whānau engagement, and support Waiora Maaori-led care within a multidisciplinary team in the inpatient ward.

Requires proficiency in Te Reo Māori, knowledge of Tikanga o Waikato, and a background in Kaupapa Māori health.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Te Reo Māori and Tikanga o Waikato.
• Experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice.
• Strong communication and collaboration with whānau and iwi.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tikanga-based cultural interventions and support whānau engagement.
• Complete and document cultural assessments for multidisciplinary care planning.
• Lead cultural safety initiatives within the inpatient team.
• Participate in ward handovers, MDT reviews, and care planning discussions.
• Coach kaimahi to strengthen cultural capability and embed Waiora Ngaa Uara.

Skills

Te Reo Māori

Tikanga Māori

Relationship building

Education

Māori Studies (tertiary)

Health-related qualification

Kaupapa Māori experience

Job description

## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* **Waikato Hospital*** **Permanent 80 hours per fortnight*** **Make a meaningful difference for Maaori health outcomes in a role grounded in tikanga, kaupapa Maaori, and whaanau-centred care*** **Join a multidisciplinary team where your cultural expertise will help shape culturally safe and responsive mental health care**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 a passionate and experienced Takawaenga to join our Adult Acute Inpatient Facility (AAIF) team. As a Takawaenga, you will be an integral member of the multidisciplinary team, providing Maaori cultural expertise that enhances cultural safety, strengthens whaanau engagement, and supports the delivery of Waiora Maaori-led approaches to care.Based within the inpatient ward environment, you will work closely alongside clinical teams, the Charge Nurse Manager, Senior Cultural Advisors, and whaanau to ensure tikanga Maaori, maatauranga Maaori, and cultural considerations are embedded throughout assessment, treatment, planning, and transition processes. You will participate in daily handovers, contribute to clinical discussions, complete cultural assessments, and provide cultural interventions that support the wellbeing of tangata whaiora and their whaanau.**Key responsibilities:*** Deliver tikanga-based cultural interventions, including karakia, koorero, whanaungatanga and mahi aa-wairua.* Complete and document cultural assessments that contribute to multidisciplinary care planning.* Support meaningful whaanau participation and engagement throughout the care journey.* Participate actively in ward handovers, MDT reviews, and care planning discussions.* Coach and support kaimahi to strengthen cultural capability and embed Waiora Ngaa Uara into everyday practice.* Contribute to initiatives that improve Māori health equity and service development outcomes.Click **here** to view the position description.**About the Team/Service**Adult Acute Inpatient Facility (AAIF) is part of the Mental Health and Addictions Service (MHAS) within Health New Zealand Waikato. Takawaenga are embedded within the ward environment and are recognised as essential members of the multidisciplinary team, providing cultural leadership and guidance that strengthens culturally responsive care for tangata whaiora and whānau. The service operates seven days a week, ensuring consistent access to cultural support and advocacy.**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**As a Takawaenga, you will bring strong cultural knowledge, excellent relationship-building skills, and a passion for improving outcomes for Maaori.* Able to work 7 days a week across all rostered shifts.* Proficiency in Te Reo Māori me ngaa Tikanga o Waikato.* A tertiary qualification in Māori Studies, a health-related qualification, and/or equivalent experience within Kaupapa Māori systems.* Demonstrated experience applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in practice.* A current full driver's licence.* Excellent communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.* Experience working with whanau, hapuu, iwi, Māori providers, or within mental health services would be advantageous**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 **21 October 2026**. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at [e-mail]*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: | Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato || Location: | Waikato || Position type: | Permanent Full time || Category: | Health || Date listed: | 01-Oct-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 21-Oct-2026 || Reference: | WAI32492 || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | https://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/ |