Occupational Therapist
- Wairoa Hospital, Te Whata Moanarua (Allied Health Therapies)
- Fixed term until 30th March 2027, Full-time 80 hours per fortnight (1 FTE)
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
As an Occupational Therapist supporting the Wairoa community, you’ll play a key role in helping people regain independence, participate in daily activities, and safely transition between inpatient care and their homes. Working across both the Wairoa Hospital inpatient ward and the community, you’ll deliver assessments, functional rehabilitation, equipment prescription, and personalised interventions that support recovery and wellbeing.
Every day will bring variety, from providing therapy on the ward to visiting clients in their homes, supporting Hoki Ki Te Kainga (Early Supported Discharge), and working alongside whānau to help clients reach their goals. You’ll draw on your clinical reasoning, cultural responsiveness, and problem‑solving skills to support individuals with diverse and sometimes complex needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a tight‑knit community that values connection, collaboration, and manaakitanga.
About the Team/Service/ Location
You’ll be part of Te Whata Moanarua – Allied Health Therapies, working closely with the Wairoa Health Centre team, including nurses, allied health assistants, community services, Māori health partners, and wider multidisciplinary teams across Hawke’s Bay. The service is collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to providing high‑quality, culturally safe care that enhances whānau wellbeing.
Based in beautiful Wairoa, you’ll be working in a rural environment where relationships are strong, teamwork is essential, and holistic care is at the heart of everything. You’ll also be supported by professional leaders, regional networks, and a sector that values continuous learning, innovation, and Te Tiriti‑based practice.
Hawke’s Bay offers excellent work-life balance, sun, beaches, exceptional outdoor adventures, great schools, mountains and skiing close by, wonderful food and stunning wineries, vibrant cities and plenty more to boast about, click HERE to take a closer look at what Hawke’s Bay has to offer.
About you
You’ll be a confident, adaptable and compassionate Occupational Therapist who thrives in both inpatient and community settings. You will bring:
- A recognised Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (or equivalent) and a current NZ OT Annual Practising Certificate.
- 2–5 years of clinical experience, with skills relevant to community and inpatient rehabilitation.
- Experience with complex discharge planning and functional assessments.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective, culturally responsive relationships with clients, whānau and colleagues.
- Proficiency with equipment prescription, including Enable‑funded items and home modifications.
- A positive attitude, problem‑solving mindset, and commitment to high‑quality, person‑centred care.
- A full NZ driver’s licence and comfort working autonomously in the community.
- A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and confidence engaging respectfully with Māori.
Desirable:
- Experience supervising students or junior clinicians.
- Membership with Occupational Therapy Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa.
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 review the position profile, click HERE To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Elise Hagen via email on Elise.Hagen@hbdhb.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
