Activities Facilitators - Adult Acute Inpatient Facility at Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Waikato Hospital - Acute mental health wards - Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre (HRBC) - soon to be relocating to a new purpose built, contemporary facility
• Permanent - Full time and part time positions 
• Rostered shifts including evenings and weekends

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 have several great opportunities for people who are enthusiastic with the ability to motivate and support our taangata whaiora to engage in activities on our acute mental health wards.

We are seeking Activities Facilitators (AF) to provide efficient, high quality focused 1 to 1 and group activities under the direction of the Occupational Therapist or other registered health professional.

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

The role requires flexibility and the ability to respond to fluctuating mental states, while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

Responsibilities of the role

• Supporting the Occupational Therapist  and multi-disciplinary team to provide opportunities to taangata whaiora in the development of new or existing life skills and/or vocational skills.
• Supporting the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of therapeutic groups.

The salary for this position will be based on experience and in line with the PSA Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical collective agreement. Additional benefits include kiwisaver contributions (if eligible), professional development, wellbeing support, and access to a range of Health New Zealand staff benefits and national discount programmes.

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

These roles offer an opportunity to work as part of a dynamic and passionate team in our acute mental health environments.

Our new facility consists of two large units, each with their own high dependency areas. Whilst this investment introduces a contemporary purpose-built facility, its true significance lies in the opportunity to redefine how care is experienced by taangata whaiora, their whaanau and their loved ones.

Both teams are multi-disciplinary and consist of nurses, mental health assistants, doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and activities facilitators.

Candidates with a good understanding of Te Ao Maaori and the ability to support our Maaori taangata whaiora through a strong Te Ao Maaori lens will be prioritised for interview. 

About Hamilton

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

• Competency with te ao Maaori, tikanga, and te reo Maaori or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.
• Experience working with people, preferably in a health care setting.
• Experience in teaching or facilitating groups.
• Passion for making a difference to the lives of our taangata whaiora and whanau.
• Motivation and drive.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal and communication skills.
• A current full NZ drivers 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 16 September 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.