- Shape the future of Aotearoa’s health workforce
- Combine strategic vision with operational excellence in a pivotal leadership role
- Lead Ara’s largest academic portfolio
- Excellent package with great benefits!
About Ara Institute of Canterbury:
Ara Institute of Canterbury stands as Aotearoa New Zealand's largest polytechnic, uniquely positioned in the heart of Christchurch – the country's most liveable city. Following recent education sector reforms that saw the dissolution of Te Pūkenga, Ara has re-emerged as an independent institution and is in a strong position with ministerial confidence and solid financial footing, ready to deliver excellence in vocational education.
The Nursing portfolio operates from Ara's state-of-the-art Manawa Campus, strategically located within the Christchurch Health Precinct. This provides direct access to Te Papa Hauora partners and creates exceptional opportunities for collaboration with leading health organisations and clinical placement providers.
As a leading provider of health workforce training, Ara is distinguished by its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnerships with Ngāi Tahu (mana whenua) and Mata-a-waka, alongside strong relationships with Te Whatu Ora and the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
The Opportunity:
This is your opportunity to shape nursing education at scale. As Head of Nursing, you'll lead Ara's largest and most significant academic portfolio - approximately 1,200 learners across the Bachelor of Nursing and Diploma in Enrolled Nursing programmes, supported by 120 staff members and four direct reports.
This role demands both strategic vision and operational excellence. As a member of the faculty leadership team, you'll shape strategic direction whilst demonstrating what best practice looks like on the ground. The timing is exceptional: Ara's fresh start post-Te Pūkenga creates space for innovation and cultural transformation.
As Ara's primary liaison with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, you'll maintain regulatory accreditation whilst building your profile as a respected voice in national and regional forums. This is a role for a self-directed leader who can contribute meaningfully to policy discussions and health workforce development whilst driving excellence in their own operation.
What You’ll Bring:
The blend of operational and strategic thinking mean that this role demands a wide-ranging skillset and experience, as outline below:
Essential Qualifications & Registration:
- Master's degree in Nursing and current Practicing Certificate
- Strong understanding of Nursing Council accreditation and regulatory requirements
Leadership Experience:
- Significant experience in nursing education and academic leadership
- Demonstrated success in qualification development and programme innovation
- Proven ability to lead teams through change and embed new ways of working
- Experience in team leadership, budget management, and quality improvement initiatives
Strategic Capability:
- Established sector gravitas with experience contributing to policy at national and regional levels
- Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with health sector stakeholders
- Track record of building and maintaining strategic partnerships
- Expertise in curriculum development aligned with national and international best practices
Professional Commitment:
- Commitment to equity, inclusivity, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in education and healthcare
- Strong track record in maintaining programme accreditation and regulatory compliance
Culture & Values
Ara's values - Connect (Hono), Inspire (Hihiri), and Aroha (Respect) - define how we work. Students value the personalised connections with lecturers and smaller class sizes that set Ara apart.
As Head of Nursing, you'll lead from the forefront of vocational education, inspiring a dedicated team whilst shaping the future of Aotearoa's health workforce. You'll be supported to deepen your understanding and application of kaupapa and mātauranga Māori as Ara continues in its commitment to being a Tiriti-led institution.