Registered Nurse - Community Mental Health and Addictions
• Work with people in their own communities, supporting recovery, independence and wellbeing
• Build ongoing relationships with patients, their families and the wider multidisciplinary team
• Explore community mental health and addictions opportunities across New Zealand
About the opportunity
Join a welcoming team in one of our regional communities, where you could work across local
hospital and community settings, from adult mental health and crisis outreach to youth, older
persons’, addiction and specialist services.
As a Registered Nurse, you’ll support people experiencing mental health and addiction
challenges, building ongoing relationships with patients and their families and supporting
recovery, independence and wellbeing.
Within our smaller communities, you’ll have opportunities to:
• get to know the people you care for and see their progress over time
• manage your own caseload, make clinical decisions and shape care around each
person’s needs
• work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team while having the autonomy to use your
clinical judgement
• build strong connections with the community you serve and see the longer-term impact
of your care.
Why New Zealand?
Imagine finishing work and having the best of New Zealand close by – a walk along the coast, a
mountain bike trail, a local cafe, or dinner with friends and family within minutes.
Across New Zealand, you’ll find communities where life feels more connected, commutes are
often shorter, and nature is never far away. It’s a place where you can build a meaningful career
while still having time and space for the people, places and experiences that matter most.
Why Health New Zealand?
Health New Zealand is one of the largest employers in the country, bringing together hospitals
and community services under one national public health system.
That means opportunities to build your career across a wide range of specialties, locations and
clinical settings while making a meaningful difference to the health of New Zealanders.
What we offer:
• Permanent full-time and part-time opportunities
• Regular clinical supervision and in-service training
• Professional development opportunities to continue growing your skills and career• Support to participate in the Professional Development and Recognition Programme
(PDRP)
• Average earnings of Registered Nurses and Senior Nurses is $125,662 (this figure
includes overtime and allowances)
• Four weeks’ paid annual leave, ten days sick leave and twelve public holidays
• Mental Health Nurses are on Tier 1 of the Immigration Green List, meaning you may be
eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa. Health New Zealand have an in-house
Immigration service, to help you through the Immigration process once you get an offer
from us
What you’ll bring:
• You’ll need to be eligible for Nursing Council of New Zealand registration, with a scope
of practice in mental health
• Recent community mental health and addictions nursing experience
• Strong assessment, communication and case management skills
• The ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes
• A person-centred approach to care
Working at Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is building a stronger, more connected public health
system that delivers equitable care for all New Zealanders. We welcome applications from
people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, honouring Te
Tiriti o Waitangi, and improving health outcomes for the communities we serve.
To help keep our patients, their families and workforce safe, preferred candidates may be
required to complete relevant pre-employment checks. These may include professional
registration verification, Police Vetting, Children’s Worker Safety Checks (where applicable), and
health screening appropriate to the role.
Ready to make New Zealand your next move?
Apply today and discover where a career with Health New Zealand could take you.
We only accept online applications. Please apply via our website.
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- Te Karere – NZCMHN Newsletter April 2026
