HR Business Partner

HR Business Partner
Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a health care setting, supporting those who care for our community.
Located at Nelson Hospital
Fixed Term position (0.9 FTE)
We are seeking an experienced HR practitioner to join our HR Business Partner team on a two year fixed'term basis. This is a great opportunity to work alongside a supportive and experienced local HR team, while also collaborating and supporting colleagues across our wider Te Waipounamu regional team.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

The HR Business Partner is the strategic partner to the Hospital and Specialist Services group within Nelson Marlborough working closely with senior leaders to deliver effective People & Culture (P&C) initiatives, practices and systems that align to business requirements and goals.

This position will be based at Nelson Hospital with travel across the Nelson Marlborough district expected to ensure effective service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

The HR Business Partner will either lead or assist with the implementation of strategic HR projects as well as transformational change across the organisation.

Establish strong relationships and credibility as an effective provider of HR services to senior stakeholders across the service, anticipating and proactively addressing business workforce opportunities and challenges in line with P&C strategies and plans.
Ensure HR initiatives are appropriately planned, communicated, and implemented to managers and their teams and that delivery meets the needs of the service.
Develop and maintain the service's goals and challenges (beyond the HR function), to assist with the successful delivery of operational and strategic outcomes via relevant 100 day and annual/multi-year plans.
Provide advice and support to managers on the full range of human resource services in accordance with employment agreements, strategies, frameworks, policies and relevant legislation.
Lead employment relations and change management activities supporting fair, consistent and prompt processes, and successful outcomes.
Proactively work with managers to identify opportunities for performance, productivity and engagement improvements and initiatives.
Promote an environment that encourages constructive and collaborative engagement and a shared problem-solving approach with unions and employees.
Working in collaboration with the wider HR functional teams, assist with the implementation of initiatives to actively promote and support the Te Whatu Ora culture, values, and employee engagement.
Maintain current knowledge of employee/employment legislative and industry activities.
This is a fixed term role working 72 hours per fortnight (0.9 FTE) Monday to Friday.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Join Health New Zealand - Nelson Marlborough where you will meaningfully contribute to our kaupapa of creating a more equitable, accessible, cohesive, and people-centred health system. This is mahi that will improve the health and well-being of everyone in Aotearoa, and we've got an opportunity for you to be part of it.

For more information on living and working in Nelson click here

About you

You will be an experienced HR Business Partner who is passionate about building organisational capability. You understand HR strategy and how to engage, influence and deliver outcomes throughout teams within a complex, fast paced and ever-changing environment. You will have an efficient, pragmatic and approachable style with the ability to build productive relationships with people at all levels.

This role requires the following skills:

Significant experience working in a HR partnering role (in the range of 5+ years) in a complex multi-entity, geographically distributed and/or unionised environment.
Strong interpersonal, relationship management and influencing skills are a necessity, along with experience working with leaders during change.
Have a sound knowledge of NZ employment and H&S legislation.
Experience in giving meaningful effect to the expectations outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi in their position(s)/at a leadership level.
Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and confident decision-making skills.
Demonstrated professional and personal credibility while operating with integrity and transparency.
Ability to make difficult and challenging decisions that support strategic goals and vision.
Ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
An exceptional communicator, able to create impact and demonstrate proactive stakeholder relationships.
The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

Working at 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 31 May 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR

Jackie Kerr (Director HR Operations Nelson Marlborough) at jackie.kerr@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Job ref: R1N26-118

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.