Research Assistant

• Waikato Hospital: 6 Months Fixed Term, 32 hours per week
• Gain experience working within successful research and operational teams
• Make a positive difference for Māori whānau and improving health outcomes

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

We are seeking an experienced Research Assistant to join our Māori Health research team here at Māori Health Services at Waikato Hospital.

The Whānau Hauora Integrated Response Initiative (WHIRI) was developed with a pro equity focus of providing health services and care to whānau accessing and re-engaging with the health system. Developed with a kaupapa lens, for Māori by Māori, WHIRI is a critical service in mitigating unmet needs for Māori and Pacific patients who receive care from a hospital service. WHIRI aligns with the highly successful Whānau Ora approach, focussing on the needs and goals of the whānau, centred on improving equity for Māori and other priority populations whilst being grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Key responsibilities of the role:

• Collect and manage the merging and cross checking of hospital data with the WHIRI databases.
• Clean the data and prepare it for cross check checking and analysis.
• Engage with some key stakeholders to ensure that the data collected is relevant for Māori communities, funders and aligns with Te Pae Tata Interim New Zealand Health Plan 2022.
• Contribute towards report writing and/or academic publication.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team

The Māori Health Rangahau/Research team is part of Te Puna Oranga (Māori Health Service) at Waikato Hospital. Our goals are:

• Engaging in Kaupapa Māori research & evaluation
• Contributing towards opportunities for funding & scholarships
• Support & linking in Māori & Indigenous research and networks
• Building workforce development
• Developing innovative solutions based on research

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

As a Research Assistant, the skills and experience you’ll need to be considered for this role are:

• Tertiary degree with three years or more experience working in health or research
• Demonstrated experience in data management, collection or analysis
• Understanding of Tikanga Māori, Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori and the ability to engage appropriately in Māori settings
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

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 online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 17 March 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rachael Devey at Rachael.Devey@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

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