Occupational Therapist at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay, Hawkes Bay

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Wairoa Hospital, Te Whata Moanarua (Allied Health Therapies)
• Fixed term until 30^th 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, youll 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, youll 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. Youll draw on your clinical reasoning, cultural responsiveness, and problemsolving skills to support individuals with diverse and sometimes complex needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a tightknit community that values connection, collaboration, and manaakitanga.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Youll 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 Hawkes Bay. The service is collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to providing highquality, culturally safe care that enhances whānau wellbeing.

Based in beautiful Wairoa, youll be working in a rural environment where relationships are strong, teamwork is essential, and holistic care is at the heart of everything. Youll also be supported by professional leaders, regional networks, and a sector that values continuous learning, innovation, and Te Tiritibased practice.

Hawkes 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 Hawkes Bay has to offer.

About you

Youll 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.
• 25 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 Enablefunded items and home modifications.
• A positive attitude, problemsolving mindset, and commitment to highquality, personcentred care.
• A full NZ drivers 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.