Job Description
Full job description
12-Month Secondment/Fixed-Term, based in the Beehive, Wellington
Health 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 Role
This is a great opportunity for a secondment/fixed-term into the Minister's Office. Private Secretary roles are challenging, varied, and exciting. They offer a hands-on learning and leadership opportunity by working directly with Ministers and senior officials.
Our Private Secretaries are Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora employees seconded to the offices of the Minister of Health, Minister of Mental Health and Associate Ministers of Health. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining a trusting and constructive relationship between our Ministers and Health New Zealand, working closely with Ministers and their staff to enable success.
You'll be a key liaison point with Ministers, commissioning high-quality advice from health agencies to support Ministerial decision-making. You will also facilitate communication and manage the day-to-day relationship between the Minister and agencies.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience from their time in the public service, government relations roles or from previous Private Secretary positions. You will be comfortable providing high-quality, free and frank advice, and remaining calm and resilient under pressure. Health sector experience or knowledge is helpful but not essential.
This 12-month secondment/fixed-term is a full-time position, and is based in the Beehive, Wellington.
Working for 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 15 Febuary 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Nicole Rickard at Nicole.Rickard@tewhatuora.govt.nz.
This role is also open to Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora staff.
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.
12-Month Secondment/Fixed-Term, based in the Beehive, Wellington
Health 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 Role
This is a great opportunity for a secondment/fixed-term into the Minister's Office. Private Secretary roles are challenging, varied, and exciting. They offer a hands-on learning and leadership opportunity by working directly with Ministers and senior officials.
Our Private Secretaries are Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora employees seconded to the offices of the Minister of Health, Minister of Mental Health and Associate Ministers of Health. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining a trusting and constructive relationship between our Ministers and Health New Zealand, working closely with Ministers and their staff to enable success.
You'll be a key liaison point with Ministers, commissioning high-quality advice from health agencies to support Ministerial decision-making. You will also facilitate communication and manage the day-to-day relationship between the Minister and agencies.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience from their time in the public service, government relations roles or from previous Private Secretary positions. You will be comfortable providing high-quality, free and frank advice, and remaining calm and resilient under pressure. Health sector experience or knowledge is helpful but not essential.
This 12-month secondment/fixed-term is a full-time position, and is based in the Beehive, Wellington.
Working for 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 15 Febuary 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Nicole Rickard at Nicole.Rickard@tewhatuora.govt.nz.
This role is also open to Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora staff.
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.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Private Secretary position is now open for candidates interested in the Remote Jobs sector. This role in Wellington offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Remote Jobs is a plus.