Occupational Therapy
Kia ora (hello) – are you ready for the opportunity of a lifetime? We’re looking for Occupational Therapists to join our team in New Zealand - Aotearoa.
Photo location: Abel Tasman National Park, Tasman - Credit: Miles Holden
Register with Health New Zealand
About the role
Occupational Therapists in New Zealand are critical in helping individuals improve or regain skills needed for their daily activities, such as physical, cognitive, and mental well-being.
Across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, they support patients in maintaining independence, improving quality of life, and adapting to changes in their condition.
Salary, allowances & leave
Salary:
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Occupational Therapists have a 10-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $77K - NZ $116K
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Designated Occupational Therapists (e.g. Team Leaders, Professional Advisors etc.) have a 19-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $111K - NZ $151K
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Overtime and penal rates
- On-call, call back and night rates
Allowances:
- Higher duties allowances
Leave:
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4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service)
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shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work
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A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum
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6-12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service
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up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave
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12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on
Occupational Therapists' Collective Agreement:
In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Occupational Therapists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.
Benefits & development opportunities
Benefits:
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Reimbursement of your Professional Registration costs and fees.
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Health NZ covers your professional indemnity insurance.
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Support with your Continuing Professional Development.
- If eligible, a minimum of a 3% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.
Career development opportunities may include:
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Access to a plethora of internal educational courses and regular in-house Continual Personal Development sessions.
- Coaching, mentoring and achieving learning outcomes for all staff.
Roles & responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities can include:
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Evaluate patients' needs of physical, cognitive, and environmental challenges to daily functioning.
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Create personalised interventions to restore skills and independence.
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Run rehabilitation programmes to help patients recover abilities lost due to injury or illness.
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Assist patients with their mental health using coping strategies for stress, anxiety, or trauma.
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Teach patients and caregivers about self-care and prevention.
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Work with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
OT's work can vary based on the setting you're based in. We offer a range of clinical settings such as:
- in-patient hospital including ED
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intensive care
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paediatrics
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neurosciences
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stroke
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trauma
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orthopaedics
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hand therapy
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burns and plastics
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older person's health
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community-based rehabilitation services
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vocational rehabilitation
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mental health services
Additional responsibilities include:
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An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and implementing the principles.
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Engaging with local communities for better health outcomes.
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Assessing and enabling tūroro/patients at that stage in their hauora/health journey.
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Working with tūroro/patients from diverse social and cultural backgrounds and working collaboratively with whānau(family), the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes.
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Identifying and contributing towards service improvement initiatives.
Required qualifications & experience
Occupational Therapy Qualification
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You must hold an approved qualification in occupational therapy. Common pathways include:
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A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy or a similar recognized qualification from a New Zealand institution (e.g., Otago Polytechnic or Wintec).
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An overseas qualification that is assessed as equivalent to New Zealand standards by the OTBNZ.
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Registration with the OTBNZ
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All OTs must be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand to legally practice.
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Applicants need to submit proof of their qualifications, personal identification, and evidence of fitness to practice.
Annual Practising Certificate (APC)
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To practice as an OT, you must hold a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC), which is renewed annually.
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To maintain the APC, you must:
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Provide evidence of ongoing competence.
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Demonstrate participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
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Other helpful links:
Beginning your career
To become an Occupational Therapist you need to complete one of the following:
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A Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
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or a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
You also need to be registered with the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) and have a current Practising Certificate.
Our application process
Working at Health New Zealand
'Te Whatu Ora' translates from our indigenous Māori language to 'the weaving of wellness'; which is what we are all about in our holistic delivery of world-class care for the health and wellbeing of the 5 million Kiwis in our communities.
Health New Zealand has an open and non-hierarchical approach to improving outcomes for our patients. Our cross-disciplinary collaborative way of working fosters a positive work environment where all members of our team feel supported and empowered.
Our commitment to you
We are dedicated to building a team that is representative of the communities that we are serving. We are committed to supporting health equity in our communities. Our kaimahi (staff) thrives on the diversity and inclusion of all perspectives and cultures, and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Health New Zealand has programmes and facilities available to both protect and improve our teams’ physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. We know that you do your best work when you’re feeling your best, so it’s important to us that this is a priority.
Looking to move to New Zealand to work as an Occupational Therapist?
Great news! Occupational Therapists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa. This means you and your family can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Explore Aotearoa
New Zealand - Aotearoa has been in the top 5 countries in the Global Peace Index every year since it launched in 2009, and has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres, to the easygoing vibe of our coastal or rural communities.
Find out more information about what part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.
Te Tai Tokerau Northland
Population: 194,600
Northland is a beautiful and diverse region of Aotearoa, New Zealand with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in water sports, historic sites, natural beauty or ancient Kauri trees—Northland has it all!
Waitematā
Population: 650,000
Waitematā is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing Districts serving the largest population of all Health New Zealand. Waitematā offers a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the natural beauty and community spirit of suburban life.
Te Toka Tumai Auckland
Population: 500,000
Auckland the "City of Sails" is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s where metropolitan sophistication meets breathtaking natural beauty. Auckland is filled with a variety of warm and welcoming communities, packed with new places to explore.
Counties Manukau
Population: 500,000
Counties Manukau is a vibrant place where there's never a dull moment! Living and working here ensures you're always close to amenities, events and nature. You'll never run out of places to visit or things to do.
Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
Population: 255,110
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty the chance for a better work-life balance.
Waikato
Population: 425,000
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause, reflect, and enjoy a true work-life balance. Gisborne’s relative isolation is its charm, surrounded by beaches & nature - don't worry though! Larger cities are only a quick flight away.
Lakes
Population: 110,000
The Lakes District is well known for its geothermal activity and natural hot springs. The area is located in the central North Island and is home to many geothermal attractions, such as geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
Taranaki
Population: 130,000
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!
Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay
Population: 180,000
Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches and temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay boasts a lifestyle that is unmatched. The region is a popular destination for food and wine tourism, hiking, cycling and cultural events such as the annual Art Deco festival.
Whanganui
Population: 65,000
Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
Population: 445,000
Wellington, the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a bustling and diverse hub of culture and cosmopolitanism, renowned for its lively cafés, restaurants, and internationally acclaimed sporting and cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of a natural harbour. To the north of Wellington lie the regions of Porirua, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral
Population: 190,000
Get the best of both worlds - the perfect blend of rural and city living with the mountains, city and sea at your fingertips.
Wairarapa
Population: 48,000
From rugged coastlines, boutique vineyards to lush forests, Wairarapa is a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful environment to recharge after a rewarding day's work.
Nelson Marlborough
Population: 150,000
Nelson Marlborough has been dubbed the artistic capital with a thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast
Population: 32,000
Te Tai o Poutini/West Coast has views of both the mountain ranges and the ocean! It is an untamed natural wilderness of beautiful rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.
Waitaha Canterbury
Population: 600,000
The Canterbury region is a great place to live and work due to its natural beauty, vibrant economy, cultural diversity, strong community, and high quality of life.
South Canterbury
Population: 62,000
The South Canterbury District is an area of stunning beauty with great lifestyle opportunities, a safe and welcoming family-friendly environment, affordable living, excellent educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities.
Southern
Population: 350,000
Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill.
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Photo location: Rotorua - Credit: Miles Holden |
Watch: Working as an OT in New Zealand
See the kind of health settings you could be working in, and some of New Zealand's beautiful scenery in this video from the Hawke's Bay District.
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to New Zealand - Aotearoa is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.