Otago Polytechnic School of Occupational Therapy

26/05/2026

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05/05/2026

20/04/2026

Our student occupational therapists spent the day immersed in a Day of Occupations. ✨

Through a range of hands-on activities, they explored new skills, built relationships with their peers, and began to deepen their understanding of the value and meaning of occupations in everyday life.

A great opportunity to experience, reflect, and connect with what occupational therapy is all about.

17/04/2026

23/03/2026

Work Augmented Learning delivery of our bachelor of occupational therapy - enrolments are open for Te Tai Tokerau and for Central Otago! Spread the word, contact [email protected] for mor information.

News snippets from the Far North.

04/03/2026

Thinking about new goals for your Annual Practicing Certificate?
This research participant opportunity for engaging in coaching or goal setting could be the answer.
See Dorothy's invite below.

Kia ora koutou Occupational Therapy leaders,

My name is Dorothy Gilliland, and I’m a Master’s student in occupational therapy at Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. I’m inviting experienced OT leaders to participate in a study exploring how coaching and goal-setting might support well-being, confidence, and leadership development within our profession.

What’s involved?
Participants will join a short programme focused on meaningful goal-setting. Some participants will also receive one-to-one online coaching over 3–4 months.
We’re interested in whether coaching offers extra benefits beyond goal setting alone.

Who can take part?
You may be eligible if you:
• Hold a formal leadership role (middle or senior management)
• Have a current APC
• Work at least 0.5 FTE
• Are willing to be randomly allocated to either coaching or waitlist groups

Participation includes:
• Short online surveys
• Either a goal-setting session only or goal-setting plus up to six online coaching sessions
• Optional reflective activities
• Culturally adaptable coaching approaches

Your participation is voluntary, confidential, and fully supported by ethical approval.

If you’re interested, please contact me at [email protected].
You’re also welcome to contact my supervisor, Rita Robinson, at [email protected].

Ngā mihi nui,
Dorothy

04/03/2026

Alison Harding Memorial Plate 2025 Recipient.
The Alison Harding Memorial Plate is awarded to the student who achieves the best academic grades during first year studies and successfully completes the fieldwork requirements.

Alison Harding was a New Zealand registered occupational therapist. In the 1960’s she was the charge occupational therapist at Christchurch Hospital. She had served as a member of the Occupational Therapy Board for five years including being on the education committee. She was appointed as supervisory occupational therapist for the occupational therapy programme when it was transferred to the Central Institute of Technology (CIT) in 1971. In 1976 she was appointed head of school.

In acknowledgment of her contribution to the profession but particularly the early days of the school at CIT memorial prizes were created by the staff after her death in 1979.

For the 2025 cohort across the two campuses, we are pleased to announce Emma Waine as the recipient of the Alison Harding Memorial Plate.

17/02/2026

03/02/2026

You are warmly invited to take part in a research project on coaching, goal setting, and OT leadership well-being.

Kia ora koutou Occupational Therapy leaders,

My name is Dorothy Gilliland, and I’m a Master’s student in occupational therapy at Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga. I’m inviting experienced OT leaders to participate in a study exploring how coaching and goal-setting might support well-being, confidence, and leadership development within our profession.

What’s involved?
Participants will join a short programme focused on meaningful goal-setting. Some participants will also receive one-to-one online coaching over 3–4 months.
We’re interested in whether coaching offers extra benefits beyond goal setting alone.

Who can take part?
You may be eligible if you:
• Hold a formal leadership role (middle or senior management)
• Have a current APC
• Work at least 0.5 FTE
• Are willing to be randomly allocated to either coaching or waitlist groups

Participation includes:
• Short online surveys
• Either a goal-setting session only or goal-setting plus up to six online coaching sessions
• Optional reflective activities
• Culturally adaptable coaching approaches

Your participation is voluntary, confidential, and fully supported by ethical approval.

If you’re interested, please contact me at [email protected].
You’re also welcome to contact my supervisor, Rita Robinson, at [email protected].

Ngā mihi nui,
Dorothy

17/12/2025

Awesome mahi by one of our year 1 ākonga based in Kirikiriroa. Congratulations on this past year😊

Otago Polytechnic