We have three vacancies (Auckland, Whanganui and Wellington) for suitably qualified barristers and solicitors to be appointed as deputy district inspectors.

Deputy district inspectors are statutory officers appointed for up to three years to uphold the rights of patients receiving compulsory care or treatment under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 (the Mental Health Act). District Inspectors may also be appointed to perform duties under the Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 2017.

Their responsibilities are to monitor the quality and safety of mental health and addiction services, investigate complaints, and conduct inquiries related to the care and treatment of individuals.

The Ministry of Health (the Ministry) expects district inspectors to spend up to one-third of their full-time practice carrying out the role. The Ministry also expects district inspectors to work as part of wider regional teams and as a national caucus.

We welcome applications from those who are keen to take up new challenges in the mental health, and/or substance addiction field.

Appointments are made by the Associate Minister of Health on the recommendation of the Director of Mental Health.

District inspectors and deputy district inspectors are paid $170 an hour for their work.

To apply please complete and sign a declaration form and send it along with your CV, cover letter and two written references to MentalHealthAdmin@health.govt.nz. Applications close at midnight, Sunday 2 August 2026. We anticipate that the shortlisting and interview process will be finalized by the end of August 2026.

You must address the key appointment criteria in your application. All applications should include a curriculum vitae and must address your suitability to be appointed, based on these key criteria:

• Legal knowledge and experience.
• Mental health knowledge, including knowledge of the Mental Health Act.
• Communication skills, including the ability to communicate well with legal and medical professionals, as well as people receiving mental health services.
• An empathetic and sensitive attitude to people in mental distress.
• Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and knowledge.
• Regional and collegial engagement.
• For consideration of additional appointment under Substance Addiction (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 2017: knowledge of and/or experience with substance addiction.

You must be a barrister or solicitor with a current practicing certificate and have an interest in the mental health area.

You will also be required to:

• Provide two written references that address the key appointment criteria. These two referees should be available to provide verbal references.
• Declare relevant criminal convictions.
• Declare any potential conflicts of interest that might arise if appointed as a deputy district inspector.

For more information on conflict-of-interest considerations, please refer to the Public Services Commission’s Board Appointment and Induction Guidelines, available at www.publicservice.govt.nz.

Further information on the role of district inspectors can be obtained from the Ministry of Health website. Please refer to the online publication of the Guidelines for District Inspectors Appointed under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 (2025), and other online guidelines to the Mental Health Act.

Please send any queries or applications to MentalHealthAdmin@health.govt.nz.