driven to make a real difference within our community?
strategic, creative, energetic, results-focused?
a real collaborator, team player and a networking guru?
not afraid to be courageous, innovative and to have some fun?
We’re looking for someone to step into this impactful role in Tauranga—apply now!
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!
Job Description
ABOUT THE JOB
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Medical Director to join our Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO. Someone who can lead with purpose and collaboratively drive strategically informed service decisions in our 24/7 operation.
This full-time role is central to our organisation’s success, forming part of the core clinical leadership team alongside the Director of Nursing 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 Medical Director brings critical medical insight and strategic vision to help shape the future of our services—ensuring excellence in care now and into the future.
You’ll lead the medical team in the delivery of high-quality medical and clinical services and patient-focused care. You will also contribute to the strategic direction of our clinical services, supporting the development of palliative care planning, medical education, quality initiatives, career pathway progression, and research.
As a senior medical leader, your expertise will be highly valued, and you’ll play a key role in developing and empowering your team through coaching, mentoring, supervision, and role modelling. You will also be instrumental in upholding the integrity and reputation of Waipuna Hospice—ensuring our services are consistently recognised for their professionalism, compassion, and exceptional quality of care.
Key Accountabilities:
Clinical Leadership: Provide expert guidance, direction, and clinical leadership to the medical team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centred palliative care to patients and families
Strategic Input: Contribute to the strategic development and continuous improvement of clinical services, collaborating with other senior leaders to achieve the organisation’s goals
Education & Research: Promote and lead clinical education initiatives, developing the palliative care workforce. Support and contribute to research efforts aimed at advancing palliative care practices and improving patient outcomes
Building Professional Relationships: Build and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare providers, partners, and other key agencies in the Bay of Plenty region
Leadership & Management: Lead and manage the medical team, providing coaching, mentoring, supervision, and role modelling to ensure team development and cohesion
Operational Contribution: Ensure that medical services are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively, aligning with the overall organisational goals and ensuring sustainability without compromising quality of care
Desired Skills and Experience
ABOUT YOU
You’re a respected leader, with experience in complex clinical environments and are able to inspire teams while holding yourself and others accountable. You are a passionate coach and mentor.
You’re a strategic thinker, with a track record of successful initiatives or cost-saving strategies that improve service delivery without compromising care you bring strategic insight and a collaborative approach to service development and planning
You have a strong ability to build a positive working culture where collaboration, respect and high performance are key.
You demonstrate a deep commitment to patient-centred care, with a strong sense of compassion and professionalism
You’re a strong advocate for quality, equity, and continuous improvement, and contribute meaningfully to innovation and education
You’ve successfully led through change and know how to support and energise your team during times of transition and transformation
You're a skilled problem solver—someone who collaborates across teams (including your peers) to find smart, effective solutions.
You bring a solidcommercial mindset, with the ability to balance patient care with financial sustainability. You understand the importance of making tough decisions and are willing to adapt or make sacrifices to achieve long-term success.
The following experience and qualifications required are:
Vocational Registration in Palliative Medicine with the Medical Council of New Zealand
Current Practising Certificate with the Medical Council of New Zealand
Qualified to practise as a Specialist in Palliative Care
Credentialed with the Bay of Plenty District Health Board (BOP DHB) is desirable
Fellow of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine or FRACP (Palliative Medicine)
Member of the Australia & New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM)
Member of the Medical Protection Society (MPS)
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Palliative Care Medicine
Proven experience in a medical leadership role, including the ability to manage and inspire a multidisciplinary team
Research and design experience, with a focus on clinical or service development initiatives
WHAT WE OFFER
Be part of a values-led, purpose-driven organisation making a real impact in your community
Collaborate with a highly skilled and supportive interdisciplinary team
Enjoy a role that blends clinical care, leadership, and education, with room to innovate and grow
Make a difference—not just in individual lives, but in the future of palliative care across the region
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 join a dynamic team and make a real difference, apply now! Our application process might include interviews, job testing, reference checks, and pre-employment screening (we want to make sure you're as awesome as we think you are!).
We review the applications as they come in and continue until the position is filled.
