Community Nurse Manager

Role overview

Waipuna Hospice is looking for a composed, future-focused nurse leader to guide its Community Nursing Team in Te Puna, Tauranga. This is a full-time role of 40 hours per week. The position offers the chance to influence the direction of specialist palliative care in the community while supporting a team committed to delivering exceptional care to patients and their whānau at the times that matter most.

The organisation provides specialist palliative care across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, with support delivered at home, in clinics, and in an inpatient setting. Its services are designed to be compassionate, responsive, and centred on dignity, comfort, and quality of life for people living with life-limiting illness.

Waipuna Hospice also delivers a broad range of holistic support, including nursing and medical care, counselling, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, equipment lending, respite support, carer education, companion volunteers, and related services. These services are offered free to patients at the point of care, supported by Te Whatu Ora funding, community generosity, and the work of fundraising and charity shop teams.

What you will do

In this leadership position, you will oversee a community nursing team of around 20 nurses and help create a strong, well-supported service.

• Provide calm, compassionate people leadership that fosters a high-performing team, sets clear expectations, supports wellbeing, coaches staff, and maintains professional and performance standards.
• Take responsibility for day-to-day operations, including workload planning, rostering, responsiveness, quality processes, service outcomes, and overall efficiency.
• Lead clinical practice by promoting strong evidence-based standards, reliable clinical assurance, and safe care delivery.
• Contribute to the hospice’s 10-Year Strategy, with a focus on workforce capability, sustainability, service integration, equity, and future readiness.

What we are looking for

The ideal person will be a steady and credible leader who can unite and strengthen a community-focused team. Specialist palliative care experience is highly valued, but the key requirement is the ability to lead with confidence, warmth, and good judgement.

• Experience leading and motivating teams delivering specialist palliative care in clinics and in patients’ homes.
• Confidence in managing people, expectations, and performance with clarity and professionalism.
• A strong evidence-based approach and a clear focus on clinical assurance.
• Excellent communication skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and the capacity to build trust quickly.
• Commitment to equity, cultural safety, and whānau-centred care aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Current registration as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand, with a valid Annual Practising Certificate.
• A postgraduate nursing qualification, or active progress toward one.
• Experience working in palliative care.
• Legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

What we offer

• A friendly, collaborative multidisciplinary environment with strong leadership support.
• A values-led workplace built on compassion and professionalism.
• Paid supervision and ongoing professional development.
• Staff wellbeing and wellness initiatives.
• Strong working conditions and a competitive remuneration package.
• Discounts with local dentists, pharmacies, and health insurers.
• Free parking on site.
• A meaningful opportunity to strengthen an essential community service for patients, whānau, and staff.

About Waipuna Hospice

Waipuna Hospice’s purpose is to champion equitable end-of-life care for communities. Its vision is a world where compassionate end-of-life care is available to all. The organisation’s values are Kotahitanga, Kia Mānawanui, Kia Ngāwari, and Kaitiakitanga, reflecting inclusion, courage, simplicity, and guardianship.

It is committed to working with local Iwi and advancing equity and inclusion across the organisation. Applications are welcomed from people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. The hospice also recognises individual diversity and spiritual needs and aims to provide a safe, supportive environment where applicants can bring their authentic selves.

Application and selection process

The recruitment process may include interviews, job-related testing, reference checks, and pre-employment screening. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and the process continues until the role is filled.

Additional information

Location: Te Puna, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

Team size: approximately 20 nurses.

This is a full-time onsite position.