Health Centre Manager - Waikeria Prison

About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Waikeria Prison is entering an exciting period of transformation and growth. In June 2025, the Department of Corrections opened a 596-bed, state‑of‑the‑art facility comprising 500 high‑security beds and the 96‑bed Hikitia Mental Health and Addictions Service, spread across 28 modern buildings over 21 hectares. We also have existing low security facilities and will be opening further high security beds in 2027. These developments demonstrate a major commitment to delivering safe, secure, and fit‑for‑purpose environments that support improved health outcomes, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

As the Primary Health Centre Manager, you will hold statutory responsibility for ensuring the provision of safe, effective, and equitable primary health care for people in our care. You will lead the day‑to‑day operations of the primary health service, oversee clinical governance and quality systems, and ensure your team maintains high levels of competence, professionalism, and compliance with policy and standards.

Although this role does not directly lead the Hikitia mental health service, you will be expected to work closely and collaboratively alongside the mental health and addictions team to strengthen care pathways and support seamless service delivery within an integrated health environment.

In this role, you will:

• Lead Health Services Delivery: Drive excellence in primary health care and service performance within a large, complex, and rapidly evolving custodial environment.
• Provide Clinical Leadership: Build and sustain a supportive, high‑performing environment where professional best practice is encouraged and staff feel confident and valued.
• Foster Collaboration: Strengthen multidisciplinary pathways by working closely with custodial services, contracted providers, and community health partners to improve patient journeys and continuity of care.
• Navigate Growth & Change: Lead your team confidently through ongoing organisational development as Waikeria continues to expand and evolve.

As part of a national network of Pae Ora health leaders, you will contribute to continuous improvement and support the delivery of an integrated, nurse‑led primary health model grounded in the holistic principles of Pae Ora – mauri ora (healthy individuals), whānau ora (healthy families), and wai ora (healthy environments).

Professional registration is required, applicants are asked to apply using the name that appears on their registration record with the relevant professional body. Please ensure your application details align with your registration to avoid delays in verification.

Download our job description from the job application page to find out more about the role.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are seeking a skilled, confident clinical leader who thrives in dynamic environments and is motivated by improving health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in Aotearoa.

You will be:

• A New Zealand Registered Nurse, with extensive leadership experience and ideally a relevant post‑graduate qualification.
• A strategic thinker who is comfortable navigating change at scale while maintaining a cohesive, positive team culture.
• A leader who can effectively motivate, delegate, and build capability within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experienced in working across clinical and non‑clinical disciplines to strengthen patient pathways and improve continuity of care.
• An excellent communicator—resilient, organised, and focused on quality and service improvement.
• Deeply committed to equity, with a strong understanding of the drivers of poor health outcomes and proven actions to address them.
• Practising in accordance with te Tiriti o Waitangi, with confidence in te ao Māori perspectives and approaches.

This is a rare chance to influence large‑scale health operations within a major national organisation, contributing directly to improved wellbeing, reduced reoffending, and safer communities.

Utu ā‑tau | Salary

The full salary range is $165,565 - $178,273. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Ko wai mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections is committed to improving the oranga and safety of the people we serve across the motu. Our values—rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships)—shape how we work and guide the delivery of our strategic direction, Hōkai Rangi.

We are proud to foster inclusive, supportive, and diverse workplaces. We celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and the collective strength of our people.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

 Applications close Thursday, 30th April 2026, with interviews scheduled for the 14th May 2026

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and cover letter that outlines your motivation for joining Ara Poutama Aotearoa, relevant experience, and alignment with our organisational values.

All applications must be submitted via our careers site. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

For more information about working with us, visit our careers page or contact careers@corrections.govt.nz