Occupational Therapist - Masterton
Help shape the future of Education
We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes
Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga
We are looking for a part-time Occupational Therapist (0.8 FTE) to be part of a team that maximises learning and promotes social inclusion for children and young people with learning needs
As an Occupational Therapist, you will play a critical role in our region’s Learning Support team by:
Observing, assessing and working closely with children and young people with complex needs
Building and strengthening the capability of those who are best placed to support the learning of children
Identifying, setting up and providing advice about environmental changes, support, equipment and technology a child or young person may require
Enhancing inclusive practices in schools and Kura.
Working as part of a trans-disciplinary team where a child’s needs are complex
This position is based out of the Masterton Ministry of Education office and supports the Wairarapa/Tararua geographic area
Salary range: $69,966 - $119,450 per annum + KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.
For more details about the role, you can view the job description here.
About you | Mōhou ake
To be successful you will need:
A Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy or its accepted equivalent as required by the New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board
New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board registration
Hold a current annual Practicing Certificate
The ability to apply specialist knowledge of occupational theory and practice in the development of appropriate interventions in inclusive educational settings
The ability to share knowledge and skills to empower both the individual learner and those supporting them.
Experience working in Māori-medium settings or the ability to work across Māori informed practice models would be advantageous
The ability to understand and apply the principles of Te Tirirti o Waitangi and tangata whenuatanga, including promoting tikanga and te reo Māori
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with children, young people and their families and teachers across a diverse range of settings.
A full New Zealand drivers licence as travel across the area is a requirement of this role
To be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.
Working in the Wairarapa offers the opportunity to have all the advantages of being close to a big city but also the benefits of a small town. We have no traffic lights in the Wairarapa! The rents and house prices are reasonable, we have easy access to beaches, rivers, tramping and cycling trails as well as award winning vineyards and restaurants!
Our climate is warmer than Wellington and the people are very friendly. Our team use Fleet cars to travel to schools and early learning services. You will be joining a large supportive multidisciplinary team with the benefit of newly renovated office premises.
About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake
Te Mahau | Education Services
The Education Services Group provides well-designed, integrated education services that support the impactful and effective operation of education settings to support student achievement and participation. The services help to remove barriers to participation and learning and provide regulatory advice, support and oversight to early learning providers, schools and kura.
The Group has three key priorities for Education Services:
Practice & Guidance: Managing practice and guidance to improve national coordination and consistency, whilst enabling regional autonomy for education service delivery.
Integration & Delivery: Providing education support directly to education settings via integrated regional and national services. This includes intervening when necessary to ensure a high standard of operation to support student outcomes and owning key stakeholder relationships to support schooling improvement and stronger outcomes for learners.
Monitoring & Improvement: Monitoring and advising on improvements to the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of services for achievement and progression, and attendance and participation. This includes monitoring education provider performance against regulations and intervening as required.
Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?
If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.
For further information, please contact Kerry McBride kerry.mcbride@education.govt.nz
Applications close Midnight – Sunday, 18 October 2026.
We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.
