Allied Health Assistant / Kaiatawhai


  • Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre
  • 1.0FTE (40 hours per week)
  • Permanent full-time

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country’s largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders. We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

The Allied Health Assistant/Kaiatawhai is responsible for providing support to the Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini Allied Health Service in delivering effective, efficient and quality patient focused therapeutic care within the inpatient, outpatient and community settings.

Experience for this role is not essential, however you should be committed to completing your Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Health Assistant) (Level 3) within 24 months of starting.

  • Specifically, the role is responsible for
  • Provision of delegated supervision of individual or group exercise programmes / activities for patients of all ages.
  • Provision of a level of service that supports patients to attain a maximum level of independence in their own environment.
  • Effective liaison with delegating Registered Health Professionals (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Dietetics, Speech Language Therapy) and all other relevant Health Professionals, outside Agencies and others involved in the care of the patients.
  • Provision of appropriate education Whanau / Families, Carers and Guardians of these patients as required, including the safe and correct use of equipment.
  • Commitment to flexible & friendly customer service and patient advocacy.

About the West Coast

Our West Coast Allied Health Team includes Allied Health Assistants/Kaiatawhai, Dietetics, Music Therapy, National Travel Assistance Coordination, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Speech Language Therapy. We are based out of Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika and deliver assessment and intervention within inpatient, outpatient and community settings covering the West Coast from Karamea to Haast.

About you

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following skills and experience:

Essential: 

  • New Zealand Working Rights
  • NCEA level 1-2 or equivalent (required passes in English and Math)
  • Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Health Assistant) (Level 3) (or to be completed within 24 months of commencement)
  • Intermediate user in Microsoft Suite (e.g. Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams)
  • A current full NZ drivers’ licence
  • Excellent communication – listening, verbal and written
  • Proven ability maintain confidentiality and use discretion
  • Proven ability to work autonomously as well as within a team
  • Be able to work under pressure, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines
  • Commitment to ongoing self-development and Allied Health service development

Desirable:

  • Experience working within the New Zealand Health system
  • Experience working in rural community
  • Experience working in an Interdisciplinary team
  • Experience in customer care / service
  • Knowledge of all relevant legislation and standards

Join our team today and help us make a positive impact on the lives of our patients and clients.

Working for 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 13th October. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Courtney Bell at Courtney.Bell@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note, we will be reviewing applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert therefore we encourage you to apply early. 

To be eligible for this role you must hold the legal right to work and live in New Zealand you do not hold the legal right to live and work in New Zealand your application will be declined. 

Apply now

Permanent/Full Time

Job no: PC4545291

Location: Greymouth

Closing Date: Tuesday 13th October 2026