Senior Programme Manager - Māori Health

_{20th August, 2026}

The Health Quality & Safety Commission is a Crown entity whose vision is quality health for all.
  
The Commission’s work brings together data, analysis, consumer and clinical voices, and sector relationships to influence practical improvements across the health system.
  
About the Role:
  
The Programme Manager Māori Health will lead the development and delivery of a strategic work programme that advances quality, safety and equity outcomes for Māori. The role will establish clear priorities and implementation plans, strengthen stakeholder and advisory arrangements, and ensure consumer and whānau voices are meaningfully reflected in quality improvement initiatives across the health system.
  
In this role you will:

• Lead a nationally significant Māori health work programme, driving delivery, setting priorities and ensuring a strong focus on improving outcomes for Māori.
• Influence quality, safety and equity initiatives across the health system, translating insight into practical and meaningful action.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, culturally responsive team, fostering capability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

About You:

You will be an experienced programme and people leader, with deep knowledge of Māori health and the health system. You will bring credibility in te ao Māori contexts, the ability to build trusted relationships, and the capability to influence across organisational and sector boundaries to improve health outcomes for Māori.
  
To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Proven experience leading complex programmes, strategy implementation, and system improvement initiatives, ideally within the public sector, health sector, or similarly complex environments.
• Strong understanding of Māori health, health equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and kaupapa Māori approaches.
• Advanced programme and people leadership capability, including planning, prioritisation, governance, performance monitoring, coaching, capability development, and leading high-performing teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence organisational and system-level approaches that improve equity and health outcomes.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate insights and evidence into practical actions and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, alongside a strong understanding of central government and the ability to work effectively across organisational and sector boundaries to achieve shared outcomes.

Why this role?
The Health Quality & Safety Commission occupies a unique position within the health system. Its work influences national policy, sector improvement and service design, creating opportunities to work on issues of real significance for consumers, whānau and communities across New Zealand.
If you are an accomplished programme leader who is committed to improving Māori health outcomes and strengthening Māori influence across the health system, we would welcome the opportunity to kōrero with you.
  
Apply Now
  
For more information, contact Moana Temel, Director, Niche Recruitment.
M: 021 499 902.
E: moana.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz
  
To apply, submit your cover letter and CV through the application link by the closing date of 5pm Thursday, 3 September.