Occupational Therapist
- Ata Tuu
- community residential rehabilitation unitPermanent 80 hours per fortnightMonday to Friday afternoons
- Negotiable start time from 11am onwardsUtilise your OT specific skills in a Kaupapa Maaori led team.
About the RoleYou will be based in our new residential rehabilitation unit in a Hamilton community setting, playing a key role in supporting tangata whaiora who experience complex mental health and addiction needs, to develop living skills by building relationships and providing 1-1 and therapeutic group work on site.The Whare/facility will be run with the Kawa and Tikanga of a Papakaainga and you will have an important part to play in this
- participating in activities relating to self-catering and other daily living activities that promote tangata whaiora health, wellbeing and abilities.This particular role will support the afternoon shift however times may vary, this will be negotiated with you.You will be expected to use your assessment skills, make occupational formulation, create and evaluate treatments, and contribute to care planning that is tangata whaiora led.Mental Health and addiction services in the Waikato are committed to be Maaori led.
You will weave the values of Waiora- Manaakitanga, kotahitanga, Aahurutanga, Mana Motuhake, and Whakawhanaungatanga through your daily mahi.Kotahitanga| Working in collaborationThis position will allow the successful therapist to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Takawaenga, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologist, registered nurses, social workers, AOD clinicians, care-coordinators and mental health assistants.
Click here to view the position description.About the TeamAta Tuu is a kaupapa Maaori led service that provides a 24 hour community residential rehabilitation service for tangata whaiora who experience complex mental health issues.
It works to the kawa and tikanga of a papakaainga to provide opportunity for growth in living skills.
It is part of the wider Oranga Rangatira service which also supports tangata whaiora living in community settings throughout Kirikiriroa.
About Kirikiriroa / HamiltonKirikiriroa now known as Hamilton is a place woven with deep Maaori history and identity.
Its name, meaning long stretch of gravel, reflects the fertile lands that sustained Waikato iwi for generations.
For centuries, it was a vibrant hub of settlement, gardening, and trade along the Waikato River, the life-giving Waikato awa that connects marae, hapuu and whaanau throughout the region.
Kirikiriroa holds significant cultural importance for Waikato-Tainui, carrying stories of ancestral migration, chiefly leadership, and the enduring principles of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga.
Today, the city still stands as a living expression of that heritage, where tikanga and whakapapa continue to shape its identity.Kirikiriroa
- Hamilton is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture.
Explore the stunning Kirikiriroa 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.Kirikiriroa 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 Puumanawa me oo Wheako| Your skills and experienceCompetency with Te ao Maaori, Tikanga, and Te Reo Rangatira or a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth.Experience in upholding Te Tiriti O Waitangi, and the application of Maatauranga Maaori and Kaupapa Maaori approaches, particularly as they apply in healthcare settings.A current annual practicing certificate and current full drivers licence.A positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude with a willingness to learn.
This role may suit a newly graduated OTExperience of working in collaboration as part of a multi-disciplinary team.Ability to work autonomously, as well as part of a team.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Working at Health New ZealandHealth 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 ApplyTo 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 18 January 2026.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Rebecca Reweti at Rebecca.Reweti@waikatodhb.health.nzWe will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.