RFP Pacific Health Science Academy Programme

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a single provider to manage and deliver the Pacific Health Science Academy (PHSA) programme across the Northern Region. Established in 2011, the PHSA supports Pacific students in Years 9–13 to achieve academic success and develop pathways into health and science careers. The programme currently reaches more than 800 students across 11 schools, with achi…

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking a single provider to manage and deliver the Pacific Health Science Academy (PHSA) programme across the Northern Region. Established in 2011, the PHSA supports Pacific students in Years 9–13 to achieve academic success and develop pathways into health and science careers. The programme currently reaches more than 800 students across 11 schools, with achievement rates consistently exceeding 80% at NCEA Levels 1–3.
The successful provider will oversee programme delivery and school-level funding, ensuring Pacific-led, culturally safe approaches that strengthen student achievement and career readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating workshops, tertiary and healthcare tours, leadership events, workforce expos, and conferences, as well as maintaining strong partnerships with schools, families, communities, and workforce partners.
The provider will also monitor and report on student engagement and outcomes, manage risk and quality assurance, and ensure alignment with the regional PHSA model. A total investment of approximately $3.8 million over two years will fund programme management, workforce recruitment, regional coordination, and direct school support.
We are looking for a provider that combines robust programme management with culturally responsive practice. Strong governance, workforce capacity, and financial accountability are essential, along with the ability to deliver measurable outcomes that sustain high NCEA achievement rates.
Equally important is experience in Pacific-led delivery, ensuring the programme reflects Pacific values, contexts, and aspirations. We value providers who can deliver innovative and evidence-based engagement activities, maintain transparency in funding to schools, and build trusted partnerships with students, families, communities, tertiary providers, and health sector stakeholders. Alignment with long-term Pacific workforce development pathways, and a commitment to continuous improvement, will be critical to success.