Health care assistant

Ara Poutama Aotearoa Pae Ora Services are seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated, and committed individuals who can work in a wide range of Health Care activities for people in our care who have ongoing complex health and/or disability needs. In this role within a Primary health care setting, you will be administering medication, triaging patients, assisting in health care delivery to patients, all under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

This is an opportunity for a Health Care Assistant with experience in primary health care to join a high-performing health led team who are dedicated and committed to developing and embedding a Kaupapa Maori based model of care into the heart of health services delivery.

Waikeria Prison is undergoing significant growth, with new, purpose-built facilities supporting modern, safe, and high-quality health care delivery. This includes the recent opening of the Hikitia Mental Health and Addictions Service, alongside existing health services across the site.

As a Health Care Assistant at Waikeria, you will work in a fast-evolving environment where resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to professional practice are essential. We are seeking healthcare professionals who can respond positively to change and who are motivated to make a meaningful difference to health outcomes for people in our care, while contributing to a supportive, multidisciplinary team.

Professional registration is required, applicants are asked to apply using the name that appears on their registration record with the relevant professional body. Please ensure your application details align with your registration to avoid delays in verification.

Download our job description from the job application page to find out more about the role.

Mou | About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Experience working with patients who have complex health and/or disability needs.
Level 3 Health Care Assistant certified qualification
The ability to work collaboratively and under instruction
A non-judgemental approach
Be eligible to work in New Zealand
If you think you have what it takes to make a positive change, then we'd like to hear from you.

Experience, qualifications, and registration in New Zealand is required. Preference will be given to candidates who have proven experience working within the New Zealand healthcare system, hold relevant New Zealand qualifications, and are currently registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies. This will ensure a smoother integration into our workforce and a deeper understanding of the local context and standards of care.

Nga painga | The benefits

The full salary range is $61,302 - $71,766. Appointment and remuneration will reflect clinical competency, skills, and experience relevant to the role.

Ko wai matou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) Pae Ora leads the delivery of patient-focused primary health and mental health care services to tangata within corrections facilities across Aotearoa.

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

You can find out more about us here.

Tono inaianei | Apply now

Applications Close 11pm Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

To apply and view the position description, click the application link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV/Resume and Cover Letter describing your motivation for joining our department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

If you want to find out more about a career with us visit our careers page.