An opportunity to lead and inspire a dedicated team and help shape the future of specialist palliative care in our community.
Lead a team committed to providing exceptional care for patients and their whānau when it matters most.
Waipuna Hospice is passionate about delivering specialist palliative care across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Our mission is to provide responsive, compassionate, and patient‑centred care for people living with life‑limiting illnesses. Whether supporting patients at home, in clinics, or in our inpatient unit, we tailor our services to meet their needs - ensuring dignity, comfort, and quality of life throughout their journey.
Our holistic care includes nursing and medical support, counselling, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, equipment loans, respite care, carer education, companion volunteers, and more. Thanks to funding from Te Whatu Ora, the generosity of our community, and the dedicated mahi of our fundraising team and charity shops, we are able to continue offering all our services free of charge at the point of care.
We are incredibly proud of our compassionate teams, our supportive workplace, and the values that guide everything we do. At Waipuna Hospice, we believe great care begins with great teamwork. If you are looking for a meaningful leadership role within a passionate and caring organisation – we would love to hear from you.
Job Description
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a calm, grounded, forward‑thinking leader to support and guide our Community Nursing Team. You will bring strong nursing expertise, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to equitable, evidence‑based care. This role requires someone who can hold a community‑focused team together, strengthen cohesion, champion wellbeing, and support the delivery of high‑quality specialist palliative care in the community.
As Community Nurse Manager, you will lead a team of around 20 nurses. Your responsibilities include:
People leadership: providing steady, compassionate leadership that builds a high-functioning team; setting clear expectations, supporting wellbeing, coaching staff, strengthening team cohesion, and ensuring performance, development, and professional standards are upheld
Operational oversight: managing workload, rostering, responsiveness, quality processes and outcomes, and overall service efficiency
Strategic contribution: actively supporting Waipuna Hospice’s 10-Year Strategy, including workforce capability, service sustainability, integration, equity, and future readiness
Desired Skills and Experience
ABOUT YOU
Specialist palliative care experience is highly valued — but above all, we’re looking for a steady, credible leader who can build and sustain a high‑functioning team.
You will be someone who:
Leads and empowers a passionate team delivering specialist palliative care in clinics and patients’ homes
Manages people, performance, and expectations with confidence, clarity, and warmth
Applies an evidence‑based approach and values strong clinical assurance
Communicates effectively, remains calm under pressure, and builds trust quickly
Champions equity, cultural safety, and whānau‑centred care aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Is a Registered Nurse with a current NZ Annual Practising Certificate
Holds (or is working toward) a postgraduate nursing qualification
Has experience in palliative care
Is legally entitled to work in Aotearoa New Zealand
WHAT WE OFFER
A friendly, supportive, and collaborative multidisciplinary team with strong leadership
A values‑based organisation grounded in compassion and professionalism
Paid supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities
Staff wellbeing and wellness programmes
Excellent working conditions and a competitive remuneration package
Discounts with local dentists, pharmacies, and health insurers
Free onsite parking
A meaningful opportunity to strengthen and evolve an essential community service supporting patients, whānau, and staff
ABOUT US
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 are as awesome as we think you are!).
We review the applications as they come in and continue until the position is filled.
