Human Resources Buiness Partner, South Canterbury

Full Job Description

Human Resources Business Partner, South CanterburyPart-time 0.6 FTEBased in TimaruJoin Health New Zealand where you will meaningfully contribute to our Kaupapa of creating a more equitable, accessible, cohesive, and people-centred health system. This is mahi that will improve the health and well-being of everyone in Aotearoa, and we've got an opportunity for you to be part of it.The HR Business Partner is the strategic partner to the Hospital and Specialist Services group in the Southern region working closely with senior leaders to deliver effective People & Culture (P&C) initiatives, practices and systems that align to business requirements and goals.The HR Business Partner will either lead or assist with the implementation of strategic HR projects as well as transformational change across the organisation.Expected outcomes and performance indicators include;Establish strong relationships and credibility as an effective provider of HR services to senior stakeholders across the service, anticipating and proactively addressing business workforce opportunities and challenges in line with P&C strategies and plans.Ensure HR initiatives are appropriately planned, communicated, and implemented to managers and their teams and that delivery meets the needs of the service.Develop and maintain the service's goals and challenges (beyond the HR function), to assist with the successful delivery of operational and strategic outcomes via relevant 100 day and annual/multi-year plans.Provide advice and support to managers on the full range of human resource services in accordance with employment agreements, strategies, frameworks, policies and relevant legislation.Lead employment relations and change management activities supporting fair, consistent and prompt processes, and successful outcomes.Proactively work with managers to identify opportunities for performance, productivity and engagement improvements and initiatives.Promote an environment that encourages constructive and collaborative engagement and a shared problem-solving approach with unions and employees.Working in collaboration with the wider HR functional teams, assist with the implementation of initiatives to actively promote and support the Te Whatu Ora culture, values, and employee engagement.Maintain current knowledge of employee/employment legislative and industry activities.About you You are an accomplished HR Business Partner with a strong focus on building organisational capability and delivering strategic outcomes. You bring deep expertise in Employment Relations, alongside a well‑developed understanding of HR strategy within the health and public sector. You are adept at translating complex legislative, industrial, and workforce requirements into practical, value‑adding solutions that enable leaders and support teams operating in a fast‑paced, unionised, and highly regulated environment.You operate with a commercial and future‑focused mindset, balancing strategic thinking with pragmatic delivery. Your approach is collaborative and trusted, enabling you to build influential partnerships across all levels of the organisation and drive sustained changeSkills and experienceExtensive experience (8+ years) in senior HR partnering roles within complex, multi‑entity, geographically dispersed and/or unionised environments.Proven ability to partner with senior leaders through transformation, change, and organisational uplift, providing sound judgement and trusted advice.Strong capability in influencing, stakeholder management, and relationship building, with credibility at executive, operational, and workforce levels.Deep understanding of New Zealand employment and Health & Safety legislation, with the ability to apply this confidently in complex and sensitive scenarios.Demonstrated experience in giving meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, embedding its principles into leadership practice, people strategy, and organisational decision‑making.Highly developed problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with the courage to navigate ambiguity and make difficult decisions aligned to strategic priorities.A track record of operating with integrity, transparency, and professional credibility, earning trust through consistent, values‑based leadership.Ability to influence and shape outcomes across the organisation, aligning people initiatives to strategic objectives and long‑term vision.An exceptional communicator, able to create impact, anticipate risk, and proactively engage stakeholders to deliver sustainable outcomes.Working for Health New ZealandHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is ‘the weaving of wellnesses. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Health New Zealand are committed to being good employers and honouring our equal employment opportunity obligations.Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion:We want to see the real you in your application and welcome the real you on board if you come and work with us. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just in formal employment. If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the ad, but the experience was gained through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.We particularly welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.How to ApplyTo view the position description and/or apply for the role please click apply now. All applications must be submitted through our online career's portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Steph Keene at stephanie.keene@TeWhatuOra.govt.nzPlease note, we will be reviewing applications when received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert