Occupational Therapist (Nelson)

Occupational Therapist, Nelson Hospital, Permanent up to full time

• We are a small highly respected team where your experience in the inpatient setting will be valued .
• You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively across all acute and rehab wards and to share your knowledge with the Occupational Therapy team which includes wonderful AHA’s and students on placement and with the wider MDT.

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, you will provide tailored rehabilitation services and support patients through their healthcare journey. You’ll help patients maximise their functional independence.

This role is suitable for a new graduate and  based in Nelson and is a full-time permanent role, working 80 hours per fortnight (1.0 FTE) in the acute wards  Monday to Friday 7.30AM to 5.00PM with some weekend and statutory shift work if required.  

On-call is not required, however you may be required to work Saturday shifts in the future.

About the Team/Service/ Location

Our team of Occupational Therapists and Allied Health assistants provide the highest standard of care for our patients. We pride ourselves on being very friendly and supportive, and work in a busy inter-disciplinary environment focusing on promoting, encouraging and enabling the health, well-being and independence of the people in our community. 

For more information on living and working in Nelson click here

About you

As an Occupational Therapist, you will:

• be adaptable to change, resourceful and flexible to service needs,
• have a genuine passion for working with patients in the community on their health journey,
• effective time management and organisational skills,
• work autonomously, collaboratively, and develop positive interpersonal relationships,
• have a full clean drivers licence,
• have NZ registration in Occupational Therapy, a current practising certificate and a range of generalist and life skills. Experience preferable but not essential.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in New Zealand or hold a valid NZ visa at the time of applying.

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 now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by 02 January 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact

Sonja Rae (Recruitment) at sonja.rae@tewhatuora.govt.nz OR

Kirsten Mirfin  – Team Leader Occupational Therapy  at kirsten.mirfin@nmdhb.govt.nz  .

Job ref: R1N25-290

We 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.