Executive Assistant at Te Whatu Ora -
Based in Christchurch | Permanent Full-time Support senior leaders and influence the smooth operation of strategic initiatives across the organisationContribute to equitable health outcomes and help shape a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace cultureHealth 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 RoleThis role provides Executive Assistant support to the Regional Director, PFO (0.5) and the Group Manager, Planning Improvement and System Change (0.5). In this role you will provide high-quality, timely support to these senior leaders, ensuring their day-to-day operations run smoothly.
You will manage calendars, communications, meetings, travel, and financial administration, acting as a key point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders. You'll coordinate and support key senior leadership meetings, support follow-up actions, and ensure the agenda aligns to the team's regional priorities and emerging opportunities.This is more than administrative support - you will contribute to strategic priorities, champion equity and inclusion, and play a vital role in enabling leaders to focus on delivering health outcomes that matter.
Your expertise, judgment, and proactive approach will make you an essential part of the Senior Leadership Team.About the Team/Service/ LocationYou will be part of the Planning, Funding and Outcomes office, working closely with regional senior leadership, Hauora Māori Services, Pacific Health teams, and other internal commissioning teams.The role involves collaborating across interconnected teams to deliver high-performance outcomes while supporting a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement. You will also engage with external stakeholders including sector representatives, health providers, and the Minister's office.About youYou are a highly organised, proactive, and adaptable professional with a track record of supporting senior leaders effectively.
You thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and can manage competing priorities with discretion, accuracy, and efficiency. You are solutions-focused, resourceful, and able to anticipate the needs of your manager and team. You bring strong interpersonal skills and can develop collaborative relationships across teams, sectors, and communities.
A commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and continuous improvement is central to how you work.You will have:3-5 years' experience supporting senior leaders in an Executive Assistant or similar role.Expertise in calendar management, meeting coordination, and secretariat duties, including minute-taking.Experience with financial administration, including processing invoices, reconciling payments, and preparing reports.Skilled in travel and accommodation booking systems.Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Teams, Zoom, SharePoint, and other relevant collaboration tools.Experience with project management or workflow tools such as Asana, Smartsheet, or equivalent.Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to build relationships at all levels.Ability to work proactively, anticipate needs, and identify process improvements.Knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity principles, and health sector priorities.Experience collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams and with Māori and Pacific communities.Relevant qualifications or equivalent professional experience, with a commitment to ongoing developmentTop of FormWorking 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 Sunday, 08 February 2026. For further information, please contact Jenita Spencer on Jenita.Spencer@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected kaimahi will be given preference and priority for this position.
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.