The Hawke's Bay District Health Board says the decision to appoint its first ever nursing director of Maori health services is part of a commitment to improving the health of all people in the region.
Director of nursing Chris McKenna says one of the aims in creating the new position is to boost the number of Maori nurses working for the DHB from the current 10%.
Ms McKenna says it is a personal objective to increase the number of Maori nurses in Hawke's Bay, where about 25% of people identify themselves as Maori.
She says the successful applicant will have a very close relationship with the DHB's Maori Health Unit and its director, as well as working closely with the taiwhenua and other Maori health providers.
The person will also act as a role model and mentor for Maori nursing staff.
Applications for the job closed on 21 February.
