Health promoter

Health promoters support whānau and communities to have better health and wellbeing. They work with health agencies to develop and deliver programmes and policies.

Also known as

Community health educator, public health adviser, community health worker, asthma educator, dental health adviser, first aid instructor, health coach

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
  • Usually work in offices, health centres and clinics and may travel locally
  • Need to be responsible, lead others and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$50K-$124K 50000

Typical tasks

  • Plan programmes to improve community health
  • Develop educational policies
  • Present information and programmes to communities
  • Organise social and health programme activities
  • Develop tools to assess needs
  • Assess people’s social services needs
  • Collect community health information
  • Supervise workers
  • Maintain records
  • Work with health agencies

Outlook

Health promotion is becoming increasingly important as New Zealand and other countries focus more on preventing illness and improving wellbeing. Growing attention on mental health, healthy lifestyles, equity and community-led approaches is shaping the field. Digital health campaigns, better use of data and stronger partnerships with communities are also influencing how health promotion programmes are designed and delivered.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong communication and public engagement skills
  • Ability to build relationships with diverse communities
  • Cultural awareness and respect for different perspectives
  • Planning and organising community initiatives
  • Research and evidence-based decision-making
  • Collaboration and teamwork across organisations

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.