Otago Polytechnic School of Occupational Therapy

20/08/2026

After 17 wonderful years, the time has come for principal lecturer Rita Robinson to begin a new adventure.

This week we farewell one of our most caring and talented kaimahi at Te Kura Whakaora Ngangahau | School of Occupational Therapy. For nearly two decades, Rita has given so much — her warmth, her dedication, her passion for teaching and her genuine care for our ākonga. She's the kind of person who makes everyone around her feel valued, supported, and cared for.

She will be deeply missed, but we couldn't be happier for her as she begins this exciting new chapter.

Thank you for everything Rita. 💙

13/08/2026

Real learning. Real people. Real impact. Our Year 1 ākonga are sharing their feedback from their first placement. ✨

06/08/2026

Empowered to learn, challenged to grow, inspired to make a difference—our Year 1 ākonga placement experiences say it all.

01/08/2026

🌟 Celebrating ākonga outstanding performance in their Fieldwork 1 placements & thank you to our amazing supervisors 🌟

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible fieldwork supervisors and placement teams. Your generosity, mentorship, and commitment to supporting the next generation of occupational therapists make experiences like these possible. 💙

22/07/2026

We are underway! Two amazing groups of future occupational therapists In the WAL pathway, one in Whangārei and one in Bannockburn. So looking forward to supporting them through this journey and ultimately into the profession.

Otago Polytechnic’s Central Otago campus launches a flexible Bachelor of Occupational Therapy pathway in Bannockburn, allowing students to earn while they learn.

21/06/2026

Wanna dip your toes into tertiary education? We are looking for academic staff to teach into the Work Augmented Learning pathway to the Bach Occupational Therapy. This involves live streaming into the day on campus, facilitating an online hui and managing the online learning. Opportunities to teach either 1 or 2 of the year one courses (Human Mind and behaviour; Human Body and Movement).
Applications link below, email [email protected]
for more info.

Job vacancies - recruiting for people like you now. Register your profile and find vacancies that are right for you.

21/06/2026

Calling for amazing learning facilitators! for the Work Augmented Learning pathway to Bachelor of Occupational Therapy! This is operating out of Central Otago (Bannockburn) and Te Tai Tokerau for learners living in those regions. We are looking for teaching assistants for the Whangārei and Bannockburn campuses. This is a non-academic role, and would be supporting learners in the classroom for their one day a week on campus. Spread the word! Applications here:

Job vacancies - recruiting for people like you now. Register your profile and find vacancies that are right for you.

17/06/2026

Year 2 applied professional practice class in Dunedin finished their paediatric development and sensory week with playing games. The purpose was to apply their professional reasoning, knowledge of child development and sensory based interventions to how they could use different games and activities therapeutically.

11/06/2026

We were delighted to present the Clare Jamieson Memorial Scholarship alongside Michael Jamieson and his daughter Sarah, who shared reflections on Clare’s remarkable legacy. We were reminded of the outstanding occupational therapist she was—her pioneering contributions in areas such as ICU and her unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of the people she worked with. It was an inspiring occasion to celebrate this year’s recipients, who embody those same values of compassion, excellence, and client-centred care, and to acknowledge the Jamieson family’s ongoing generosity in supporting the next generation of occupational therapists.

08/06/2026

Not just Northland! This opportunity is coming to Central Otago as well, spread the word amongst anyone you believe needs to join our profession, from either region. Applications are open now ☺️!

A new work augmented learning pathway will enable Northlanders to study towards a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy while continuing to work in paid or volunteer roles.