Physiotherapist - Rural Health

• Use your broad range of Physiotherapy skills to help within a talented multi-disciplinary team
• Fixed Term parental leave cover 20 hours per week, through to April 2027
• Base location is Ashburton however you amy be required to work from other locations occassioanlly
• NZ Registered Physiotherapist with current APC is essential, new graduates are welcome to apply

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

The rural health services provide a range of Inpatient, Day patient, Outpatient and Community based health services to the communities across rural Canterbury, stretching from the Rangitata river in the South to the Clarence River in the North including the Chatham Islands.  The area has an approximate population of 250,000 people outside of the urban Christchurch area, with Ashburton Hospital, 5 rural community hospitals and an integrated health centre.

Rural health services employ around 550 full time and part time staff, which includes clinical workforces in allied health, medicine, nursing and assistants with extensive experience in a wide range of clinical situations.

This role will involve providing physiotherapy to the community and wards in Ashburton hospital using a mixed model of deliver including in-person, telehealth and delegation as well as providing some outpatient clinics. You would be part of a small team of physiotherapists who work together to provide a service to the rural communities.  

This role is paid on the professional degree scale of the PSA MECA (or equivalent) based on experience. Days of work must include Monday and Friday with a third day negotiable. Hours are between 0800 and 1630. 

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Providing high quality physiotherapy services which meets the needs of the rural communities we service
• Providing evaluation, therapeutic and educational services to patients/clients
• Effectively managing a varying case load
• Working within a multi-disciplinary team and liaising with health providers

About You

We are seeking a NZ registered physiotherapist, with a current APC who has a drive to ensure best health outcomes for people requiring physiotherapy services to join our team. 

Your skills will include:

• Innovative and have willingness to partner with other providers to deliver care
• The ability to work within a team and contribute to the provision of high quality care
• Being self-motivated, organised and enjoy a challenge
• Competency with te ao Māori, tikanga, and te reo Māori OR a commitment to starting your journey and taking ownership of your learning and growth
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and nurture relationships with patients, their supports, colleagues and service leaders

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 view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59pm on 8th February 2026. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Alex Jay at Alexandra.jay@tewhatuora.govt.nz