Chief of Surgery - Canterbury Waitaha at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury -
Canterbury Waitaha | Health New Zealand
- Te Whatu OraLocation: Christchurch, Aotearoa New ZealandType: Permanent 0.5 FTE Lead with impact.
Shape the future of surgical care.Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury is seeking an exceptionalsurgical leader to take up the role of Chief of Surgery a pivotal positionresponsible for providing strategic clinical leadership, overseeing operationalperformance, and ensuring excellence in surgical care delivery across CanterburyWaitaha.
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a dedicated andvalues driven leadership team at a time of transformative change.Based inŌtautahi Christchurch, you will play a critical role in ensuring our surgicalservices are clinically effective, patient-centred, and equitable for allcommunities, aligned with Pae Ora | Healthy Futures and grounded in theprinciples of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.The Role As Chief of Surgery, you will:Lead and influence the strategic direction of surgical services across Waitaha Canterbury.Drive high standards of clinical governance, quality, safety, and innovation.Collaborate across the health system to ensure integrated, equitable, and sustainable service delivery.Foster an inclusive, values-led culture that supports multidisciplinary collaboration, clinical excellence, and workforce wellbeing.Provide expert guidance to the wider leadership team on surgical service planning and system performance.Represent surgical services at both regional and national forums, helping shape the future of surgical care in Aotearoa.About You You are a respected senior medical officer (SMO) with:Proven experience in a clinical leadership role within a large, complex healthcare environment.A sound understanding of surgical services and clinical governance frameworks.A collaborative, people-first leadership style that supports engagement, development, and innovation.Strong commitment to equity, bicultural competence, and culturally safe care.A passion for system-wide improvement and service transformation.Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (orequivalent) and vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealandare required.Why Join Us At Waitaha Canterbury, we believe in delivering care withcompassion, grounded in partnership, and driven by purpose.
We are proud toserve a diverse and growing population across urban and rural settings, andwe- re deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and improving health outcomes forall.You
- ll be joining:A values-led organisation focused on innovation, equity, and excellence.A supportive, high-performing leadership team with a shared commitment to transformation.A region known for its collaborative spirit, strong clinical networks, and progressive service models.A vibrant community in Ōtautahi Christchurch
- a city of culture, resilience, and opportunity.Apply Now If you
- re ready to lead with purpose and make a meaningfulimpact on surgical services and patient outcomes, we want to hear from you.For confidential enquiries about the role please contact lily.simons@tehwaturora.govt.nzRecruitment Team Lead.
Or; Nathan Hood, General Manager Christchurch Campus on Nathan.hood@cdhb.health.nz