Director of Nursing

Introduction:

Director of Nursing - Waipuna Hospice

Are you…

• driven to make a real difference within our community?
• experienced leader?
• a real collaborator, team player and a networking guru?
• not afraid to be courageous, innovative and to have some fun?

At Waipuna Hospice, we're passionate about providing specialist palliative care to our communities in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Our goal? To make sure people receive the care they need, right where they feel most comfortable— which is often in their own homes. We also have a welcoming inpatient unit in Te Puna for those who need extra support.

We help with a wide range of services, including nursing and medical care, counselling, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, companion visits, equipment loans, respite care, carer education - and so much more!

Thanks to funding from Te Whatu Ora, along with the incredible mahi of our fundraising team and the support of our charity shops, we’re able to keep these essential services going.

We’re proud of our positive team vibe, supportive work environment, and the values that shape everything we do. At Waipuna Hospice, we know that great care starts with great teamwork - and that’s exactly what sets us apart.

If you're looking for a role where you can make a real difference in our community as well as being part of a passionate and caring team - this is the place for you. Come join us!

About The Job

We’re looking for a visionary and driven Director of Nursing to join our Senior Leadership Team reporting to the CEO.

This full-time role sits at the heart of our organisation, forming part of the core clinical leadership team alongside the Medical Director and Director of Specialist Services. Together you will drive clinical strategy and contribute to decision-making at the highest level. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Nursing plays a vital role in shaping the future of our services through clinical expertise and a clear understanding of what great care looks like—today and tomorrow.

You’ll lead the development and implementation of a nursing strategy that ensures high-quality, innovative, and sustainable care for patients and their whānau. With oversight of both the Community and Inpatient Unit Nursing Teams and the Nurse Education team, you’ll guide service delivery, promote excellence in nursing practice, support professional development across the workforce and contribute to building palliative care competencies within the wider health community.

Collaboration is key to this role—working closely with the Specialist Services Team and Medical Team to ensure consistent, aligned leadership and support across our 24/7 clinical services. When needed, you’ll also step in to provide direct patient care, helping to manage workloads or cover leave, ensuring continuity and quality never falter.

About You

• You're a strategic thinker, always a few steps ahead, with the ability to see the big picture and lead accordingly.
• You bring real examples of cost-saving initiatives or service improvements you’ve led—without compromising on quality of care.
• You’re a natural leader—respected, decisive, and empathetic. You’re confident in making decisions, but also self-aware and humble enough to acknowledge when something hasn’t gone to plan—and you’re proactive in finding solutions and moving forward.
• You’ve successfully led through change and know how to support and energise your team during times of transition.
• You’re passionate about building a positive and collaborative culture, where staff feel supported, empowered, and valued.
• You're a problem solver—someone who collaborates across teams (including your peers) to find smart, effective solutions.
• You bring a strong commercial mindset, understanding the importance of balancing quality care with financial responsibility.

The following experience and qualifications required are:

• Registered Nurse with a current Annual Practising Certificate, held for at least 3 years
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience as a senior practitioner in specialist palliative care
• Deep understanding of the palliative care environment and the complexity of patient needs
• Proven ability to lead, influence, and inspire clinical teams

This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of palliative care in our region. You’ll be part of a dedicated, supportive team who care deeply about what they do, and who are committed to doing it well.

What We Offer

• A place where your decisions truly matter - both for patients and for the organisation
• A collaborative, values-led environment where teamwork is everything
• Supportive senior leadership and governance
• The chance to lead and grow within a respected community healthcare provider
• Excellent working conditions
• Staff wellness programmes because we care about our staff
• Ongoing professional development (we want you to grow)
• A competitive remuneration package
• Discounts to local dentists, pharmacies, and health insurance
• Free onsite parking

THE WAIPUNA WAY

Our Purpose: To champion equitable end-of-life care for our communities.

Our Vision: A world where there is compassionate end-of-life care for all.

Our Values:

We are inclusive I Kotahitanga
Everyone matters

We are courageous I Kia Mānawanui
Be brave

We make it simple I Kia Ngāwari
Make it easier

We are guardians I Kaitiakitanga
Caring about today and tomorrow

COME AND JOIN US

We are committed to working with local Iwi and promoting equity and inclusivity across the organisation in support of our values. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Waipuna Hospice acknowledges and respects individual diversity and spiritual needs, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. In your application we want to see the real you, share your story and become part of ours.

TO APPLY

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, make bold but thoughtful decisions, and drive positive change—we’d love to hear from you. Our application process might include interviews, job testing, reference checks, and pre-employment screening.

We review the applications as they come in and continue until the position is filled.