casual occupational therapist

• Physiotherapist – Outpatient Respiratory
• Waikato Hospital
• Part time – 0.8FTE (64 hours per fortnight)
• Fixed term position until February 2028

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are seeking a physiotherapist to join our outpatient service on a fixed term basis to cover parental leave. You will primarily be based at Waikato hospital however you may be required to work at other sites across the Waikato region.

The role includes the delivery of outpatient respiratory physiotherapy including pulmonary rehab, bronchiectasis and breathing dysfunction clinics. Experience working in these clinical areas would be beneficial. This position is ideal for a physiotherapist who is self-motivated, able to work independently at delivering services to patients with chronic respiratory conditions with the support of a small multidisciplinary team. The physiotherapist will mentor and support rotational staff and undergraduate students to support the development of clinical skills, as well as supporting colleagues in other clinical areas as the need arises.

The role requires the successful applicant to be adaptable to change, resourceful, flexible to service needs and to have a genuine passion for working with patients and their whānau on their health journey.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Service

The Physiotherapy service has over 100 staff including Physiotherapists, assistants and administrators that work across the large geographical area that is Waikato region. We have staff based at Waikato Hospital and at our other rural hospitals: Thames, Te Kuiti, Tokoroa and Taumarunui. We also have staff located at our many community bases throughout the Waikato District.

Our vision is to provide quality physiotherapy care to promote, encourage and enable health, wellbeing and independence for the patients and whānau in the communities we serve. Our mission is to ensure that patients receive excellence of care, that our staff are supported and trained to work and maintain levels of evidence-based practice, and that our service is equitable, efficient and effective in order to meet the needs of our patients and their whānau. We pride ourselves on being a friendly, supportive team who are keen to grow and develop our staff.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

• NZ physiotherapy registration, and a current annual practising certificate.
• Current valid full New Zealand drivers’ licence.
• The ability to work autonomously and collaboratively as part of the physiotherapy and wider multi-disciplinary team across a variety of environments.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with patients, their whanau, and other health care professionals.
• Experience providing respiratory physiotherapy in an outpatient setting is desirable
• Experience working in the New Zealand public health system is desirable

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal before 11:59 pm on 21 September 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Ekeraam Jones at Ekeraam.Jones@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.