Occupational Therapist

• Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre
• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton
• Permanent, full-time

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 an Occupational Therapist to work closely with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver ward-based therapeutic activities and interventions.

The role focuses on supporting recovery, enhancing engagement in meaningful occupations, and promoting skills development through both group programmes and individual interventions.

The Occupational Therapist will use excellent assessment skills, make occupational formulations, create and evaluate treatment plans, and contribute to care planning that is tangata whaiora led. The role requires flexibility and the ability to respond to fluctuating mental states, while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

Click here to view the position description.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide clinical knowledge and skills within the domains of occupational therapy
• Implement occupational therapy problem solving processes including assessment, goal setting, planning, delivery and evaluation of services for taangata whaiora
• Facilitate group and individual therapeutic interventions 
• Use the theory of occupation to improve, maintain and restore health and well-being to participate in meaningful activities of daily life

About the Team/Service

We currently have positions in our adult acute mental health in-patient unit, which will relocate into a brand-new state of the art building later this year. We also have a position in our new medium secure forensic rehabilitation ward, Puna Taupua.

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

• Registration with the Occupational Therapy Board of NZ with a current annual practicing certificate
• Experience in upholding Te Tiriti principals and frameworks, and the application of Mātauranga Māori and Kaupapa Māori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings
• Experience working in a health care setting, preferably mental health
• Passion for making a difference to the lives of our tangata whaiora and whanau
• Motivation and drive
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal and communication skills
• A full NZ driver’s license

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 12 June 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Amanda Lewis-Wilson at Amanda.Lewis-Wilson@waikatodhb.health.nz 

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