Registered Nurse Mental Health - Rimutaka Prison

About this role

• Deliver specialised mental health services bridging primary and tertiary care.
• Collaborate with skilled professionals in a healing-focused, multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate dignity and mana in every interaction with those in our care.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Are you prepared to embark on an invigorating role within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team? As a Mental Health Registered Nurse, you will deliver specialised Mental Health nursing services that will enhance the well-being of those entrusted to our care. From initial triage and assessment to implementing evidence-based treatments, you'll assume a pivotal role in amalgamating primary health and tertiary mental health services.

In your role as a Mental Health RN, you'll be integrated into a team of fellow mental health professionals within the Intervention and Support Practice Team. Together, you'll provide vital mental health services to those in our care who are most vulnerable. Our teams are committed to demonstrating expert clinical practice, with a strong emphasis on Humanising and Healing. We deeply value the human dignity and inherent mana of all individuals and their whānau under our care. Join us on this exhilarating journey and make a lasting impact.

Mōu | About you

You will demonstrate experience working as a Mental Health nurse. who resonates strongly with our kaupapa and can effectively showcase their alignment through a written application, demonstrating how they meet our essential requirements.

As the successful candidate, you will hold registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and hold a current New Zealand Annual Practising Certificate. Your role requires a foundation in strong cultural competence, encompassing an understanding of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application, along with cultural knowledge and experience in working with and for Māori, whānau, and iwi.

It is imperative that you can demonstrate relevant experience, especially in dealing with individuals facing acute and complex mental health and/or addiction issues.

You will need to exhibit a proven understanding of the professional, ethical, and legislative requirements associated with providing mental health service care and treatment within a prison context. While possessing a post-graduate qualification in Mental Health or working towards one is desirable, we also encourage applications from those in the process of obtaining this qualification.

Experience, qualifications, and registration in New Zealand is required. Preference will be given to candidates who have proven experience working within the New Zealand healthcare system, hold relevant New Zealand qualifications, and are currently registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies. This will ensure a smoother integration into our workforce and a deeper understanding of the local context and standards of care.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The full salary range is $75,773 - $106,739. Appointment and remuneration will reflect clinical competency, skills, and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: 11pm Sunday, 26 October 2025.