Are you a dynamic, clinical expert ready to lead and innovate in maternal mental health? We are seeking an experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or CNS candidate with a vision to advance nursing practice and a passion for transforming care for māmā, mothers, birthing parent, families, and whānau across the region. You will be able to prioritise and ensure timely and accurate support for both whaiora and health professionals while fostering seamless integration and collaboration across primary and secondary care services to improve outcomes.

About the Role
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine clinical expertise with innovation, leadership, and collaboration. Key responsibilities include:

• Service Development: Establish and implement new processes to enhance maternal mental health services across primary and secondary care.
• Collaboration: Partner with Te Uru Pā Harakeke, Te Uru Rauhī, and regional stakeholders to deliver culturally responsive, person-centred care.
• Specialist Consultation: Provide assessment, care coordination, expertise, and liaison to support primary and secondary health sectors, NGOs, iwi providers, and healthcare services in maternal mental health care.
• Technology Integration: Leverage digital tools and electronic record platforms to improve service delivery and streamline care pathways.
• Advancing Nursing Practice: Champion professional development opportunities, and support the potential for Nurse Practitioner (NP) pathways within maternal mental health.

About You
We are looking for a forward-thinking nurse with:

• A comprehensively trained RN with a minimum of five years' experience in mental health nursing across the lifespan.
• Proven clinical expertise in delivering high-quality care.
• A strong interest in technology and innovation to drive service improvement.
• Progress toward or completion of a postgraduate qualification in mental health or a related field.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and networking skills to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• A commitment to advancing nursing practice, with an interest in pursuing or supporting Nurse Practitioner pathways.

What We Offer

• A chance to lead and shape maternal mental health services in the region.
• Support for professional growth, including opportunities to pursue Nurse Practitioner candidacy or other advanced nursing roles.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment that values innovation and impact.
• The opportunity to partner with multidisciplinary teams and community organisations to create meaningful change.

If you are ready to bring your clinical expertise, leadership skills, and vision for advanced nursing practice to this rewarding role, we encourage you to apply.

Join us in shaping the future of maternal mental health—your expertise and leadership can make a lasting difference.
Our Organisation
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua Mid Central (Mid Central) is part of Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora and provides healthcare services to over 180,000 people across the Manawatū, Horowhenua and Tararua regions. With a large hospital campus in Palmerston North, it also provides key health care and support services to neighbouring communities.

Come and join us
Employing over 2500 people, Mid Central offers a supportive work environment that accepts and values all employees. We actively seek Māori kaimahi into our workforce and provide an environment which delivers our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Mid Central region offers an excellent lifestyle for families with scenic spots for hiking and mountain-biking, great schools and tertiary institutions. With the mountains, city and sea at your doorstep, you'll get to taste the best of both worlds – the perfect blend of rural and city living.

Benefits

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow and be challenged

• A professional and supportive culture and team setting

• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options

• Tailored wellness programmes

How to apply
To view the position description and/or apply for the role (by submitting your cover letter and CV), please click “APPLY NOW.” For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online career portal.

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible so may withdraw the advert if the perfect candidate is found before the expiry date.


We strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We aim to develop a diverse team that reflects the communities that we serve and we welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.
Mid Central actively seeks Māori into our workforce to reflect the community we serve.

Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences.