Back to top anchor

Brought to you by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – Southern and WellSouth primary health network

Open main menu Close main menu
painting of rabbit and cat showing way to vera haywood

Occupational Therapy Information and Resources

Te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere; te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga nōna te ao

The bird who partakes of the miro berry owns the forest: the bird who partakes of education owns the world

OT room

Occupational therapy is the art and science of helping people take part in the day-to-day activities that have meaning and value to them. Paediatric Occupational Therapy focuses on helping tamariki develop the skills they need to participate in childhood occupations such as:

  • Playing
  • Learning
  • Eating
  • Dressing
  • Bathing
  • Participating in family activities
  • Toileting

Paediatric Occupational Therapists assess and develop treatment plans to address delays in tamariki’s fine motor skills, self-care skills, play and social skills, cognitive skills and ability to integrate sensory information.

Vera Hayward Centre child in sensory room

We work collaboratively with tamariki and whānau to identify areas of concern and to develop goals and intervention strategies to address these concerns. Together with whānau, we monitor tamariki’s progress and problem-solve to find ways to help tamariki achieve their goals. This may happen over a short or long period of time.

Sometimes equipment assists tamariki to participate in everyday tasks such as eating, sitting at the table and getting around in the community. Occupational Therapists can help with this. We also assist with fitting tamariki for wheelchairs and other seating as well as housing modifications so tamariki can achieve greater independence.

For useful links, please see below:

  • Toilet training

Tom’s Toilet Triumph on Vimeo

Going to the Toilet | NHS GGC

  • Equipment funded through Ministry of Health

What we do » Enable New Zealand

  • Housing Modifications

What we do » Enable New Zealand