Job Description

The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as health practitioner OR layperson members of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board - e Poari o ngā Kaimātai Whatu me ngā Kaiwhakarato Mōhiti (the Board). The Board is a Responsible Authority under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the HPCA Act). The purpose of the Board is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by ensuring that practitioners are fit and competent to practise.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

Being a member of the Board is rewarding and challenging. You will be committed to improving the health of New Zealanders, through your contribution to the governance of the Board's legislative requirements.

The functions of responsible authorities are set out under section 118 of the HPCA Act, and more information about the Board is available on the Board's website.

Appointments to the Board are made by the Associate Minister of Health, Hon Casey Costello, typically for terms of three years. Members can be appointed for up to nine consecutive years.

The Ministry recognises that diversity enables our boards and councils to be high-performing and is committed to ensuring they represent the diversity in New Zealand's population, including gender, ethnicity, disability, age and geographic location. The Ministry encourages people from all backgrounds, especially those who can reflect the needs, values, and beliefs of Māori, and will understand and be committed to fulfilling the obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, to apply for these roles.

About you - Kōrero mōu

For all applicants, governance and/or regulatory experience is a plus but not required. It is beneficial if you can lead strategically, and balance competing demands.

Preferred health practitioner applicants will be experienced, senior optometrists. They will have:

• knowledge of the Board's work
• the ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and its application in health care and regulatory settings
• experience working with Māori models of health care, ensuring cultural safety and inclusivity in practice
• awareness and understanding of a range of cultural perspectives in health care, and their impact on service delivery.

Health practitioner applicants must be registered optometrists or dispensing opticians and have a good understanding of these scopes of practice, competencies, and code of ethical conduct.

Under section 5 of the HPCA Act, laypeople applicants cannot be qualified or registered as health practitioners. Preferred laypeople applicants will also possess:

• experience in workforce regulation
• business experience including those related to finance, employment, and compliance matters
• the ability to represent community and consumer interests.

Members of the board of a Responsible Authority cannot simultaneously be a member of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (the Tribunal) given the disciplinary function of the Tribunal over health practitioners.

How to apply - Me pēhea te tono

Applications must be made using the Ministry of Health online Career Centre by close of business 2/04/2025 and include:

• a completed declaration form (attached), and
• a covering letter, and
• a current CV.

Due diligence checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. The Ministry of Health may also request that the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service conduct national security screening of you as part of the appointment process.

The appointment process can be lengthy, taking between 6 to 12 months. Your patience and professionalism as we work through the next steps is appreciated. The outcome of the recruitment process for the Board will be confirmed after it has been considered by the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee

Who we are - Ko wai mātou

See the Ministry of Health Board appointments webpage for more information.

If you would like to obtain further information or clarification, or if your circumstances change or should you wish to withdraw your application, please contact the Statutory Appointments team by emailing: appointments@health.govt.nz