Hospital Play Specialist

• Waikato Hospital
• Permanent 29 hours per week 4 to 5 days per week
• Work within a passionate team dedicated to child wellbeing.
• Chance to make a lasting impact on children and whānau during difficult times.

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

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and enthusiastic Hospital Play Specialist (HPS) to join our team. This is a rewarding role where you will support children, young people, and their whānau to navigate healthcare experiences with confidence, understanding, and resilience.

As a Hospital Play Specialist you will:

• Provide therapeutic play, preparation, and support to children undergoing medical procedures.
• Use healthcare play to reduce stress, anxiety, and fear, and to help children understand their care.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure child-centred, developmentally appropriate practice.
• Support whānau by offering guidance, reassurance, and strategies to enhance coping.
• Create inclusive, engaging play environments that meet emotional, developmental, and cultural needs.
• Contribute to education, documentation, and ongoing quality improvement within the service.
• Utilise the early childhood Te Whariki curriculum to support development and growth of children in hospital.
• Commit to completing the HPS Service Development programme, as well as achieving HPSAANZ Registration, within a designated timeframe.

Click here to view the position description.

About Hamilton

Waikato Hospital is a major regional hospital in Hamilton and is a leading tertiary teaching hospital located in Hamilton, New Zealand, serving as the regional hub for the Midland area, which includes the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Tairawhiti, and Taranaki districts. With around 722 inpatient beds, 22 operating theatres, and a dedicated outpatient clinic and procedure centre, Waikato Hospital provides comprehensive hospital services, including radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy. As a major teaching hospital with affiliations to the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec, it offers a dynamic learning environment and access to research opportunities. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus, with both road and air ambulance support.

Hamilton, where Waikato Hospital is situated, is a vibrant city nestled alongside the scenic Waikato River, offering a perfect mix of nature and culture. Explore the stunning Hamilton Gardens, home to themed gardens from Italy to Asia, or visit the Waikato Museum to delve into the region's rich history. The city also boasts the Hamilton Zoo, where you can walk through an aviary filled with native birds. Hamilton is a lively hub, with a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, along with events like rugby, cricket, and the famous National Agricultural Fieldays and Balloons over Waikato festival. With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to outdoor adventures, Hamilton is an ideal place to live and work.

For more information on living and working in Waikato click here

About you

We are looking for someone who has:

• A recognised qualification as a Hospital Play Specialist, has a Diploma/ Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with full Teacher Registration.
• Experience working with children, ideally within a healthcare or education setting.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, whānau, and team members.
• A calm, flexible, and empathetic approach, particularly in challenging or emotional situations.
• The ability to reflect, adapt, and work as part of a supportive, collaborative team.
• Commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and providing culturally safe practice.
• Competency in planning, documenting childrens learning, curriculum design and regular/emergent review.

Working at 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 online or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal before 11:59 pm on 19 December 2025. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn Payne at

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.