If you are searching for a driver job in New Zealand, Wakari Hospital in Dunedin is offering a rewarding full-time opportunity. This role is part of Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, an organisation committed to providing excellent healthcare services across the country. As a driver, you will play a vital role in supporting staff, patients, visitors, and hospital operations by ensuring safe and timely transport. With a competitive pay range of $28.63 – $30.09 per hour, this position offers stability, variety, and the chance to work in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions.
About Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora is the country’s largest healthcare organisation, formed to deliver a more unified and accessible health system. Rooted in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the organisation works to ensure healthcare equity for all New Zealanders. By focusing on inclusivity and collaboration, Te Whatu Ora serves communities with compassion and innovation.
The organisation values diversity and actively welcomes applications from Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled individuals, and rainbow communities. With services spread across the country, Te Whatu Ora provides a wide range of non-clinical and clinical career opportunities, making it a leading employer in New Zealand’s healthcare sector.
Mission and Values
Te Whatu Ora is committed to building a health system that is equitable, accessible, and community-focused. Its mission is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders, while its values include integrity, respect, teamwork, and care. In the workplace, the organisation fosters inclusivity, recognising the importance of cultural competency and partnership with tangata whenua.
As part of this system, drivers play an essential role by ensuring smooth hospital operations. Every trip contributes to patient wellbeing, staff efficiency, and community trust in healthcare services.
Job Summary
The driver role at Wakari Hospital is a permanent, full-time position working 40 hours per week. You will work as part of a roster that changes weekly over a three-week cycle, ensuring a variety of tasks and schedules.
Key duties include operating a friendly and reliable shuttle service between Dunedin and Wakari Hospital sites, assisting patients and visitors, and carrying out courier jobs when required. You will also be responsible for transporting hospital staff and equipment, ensuring everything reaches its destination safely and on time.
Key Responsibilities
As a driver at Wakari Hospital, your main duties will include:
- Providing a safe, reliable shuttle service between Dunedin and Wakari Hospital.
- Transporting patients, visitors, and staff as needed.
- Carrying out courier jobs for equipment and hospital supplies.
- Maintaining high standards of professionalism and customer service.
- Following hospital safety and driving protocols at all times.
- Assisting passengers to ensure comfort and accessibility.
- Keeping vehicles in clean, roadworthy condition.
- Reporting any maintenance or safety issues promptly.
- Supporting your driver team to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Adapting to changing rosters and schedules each week.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- A current driver’s licence.
- Proven experience in driving mini vans safely and responsibly.
- Ability to provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and staff.
- Teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with fellow drivers and hospital staff.
- Flexibility to adapt to a three-week roster cycle.
- Reliability, punctuality, and commitment to workplace safety.
Work Environment and Culture
This role is based at Wakari Hospital, Dunedin, where you will join a small, supportive team of four full-time drivers. The environment is friendly, professional, and focused on teamwork. Te Whatu Ora promotes inclusivity, ensuring that employees from diverse cultural and social backgrounds feel welcome and valued.
Living in Dunedin offers a unique blend of lifestyle and career opportunities. With world-famous landscapes, including mountains, fiords, and coastlines, the region provides endless outdoor adventures. Dunedin also boasts a rich cultural and foodie scene, making it an ideal place to balance work with lifestyle.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary range: $28.63 – $30.09 per hour.
- Permanent, full-time employment with job security.
- Overtime and roster variety for flexibility.
- Inclusive workplace culture within New Zealand’s healthcare system.
- Opportunity to work in a scenic and vibrant region.
Training and Growth Opportunities
While this is a non-clinical role, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora encourages ongoing learning and development. Drivers gain valuable experience in customer service, hospital operations, and teamwork. The supportive environment also allows employees to explore further opportunities within the healthcare sector.
Job Type and Contract Details
- Job type: Permanent, full-time.
- Hours: 40 hours per week.
- Roster: Three-week rotating schedule.
- Location: Wakari Hospital, Dunedin, South Island, Otago.
- Reference: HNZN01760.
- Application deadline: Friday, 19 September 2025.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Te Whatu Ora careers portal before the closing date. Interested candidates should apply online and provide all required documents.
👉 Apply directly here: Indeed – Driver Jobs in New Zealand
For any role-related questions, you may also contact Deb McDonald at deb.mcdonald@tewhatuora.govt.nz.
Why Join Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora?
Joining Te Whatu Ora means being part of a healthcare system that makes a real difference in people’s lives. As a driver, you are not only providing transportation but also supporting the wellbeing of patients, staff, and the wider community. With competitive pay, job security, and the chance to work in a beautiful part of New Zealand, this role offers the perfect balance of career growth and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is the role based?
The role is based at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand.
2. What is the salary range?
The salary is between $28.63 and $30.09 per hour, depending on experience.
3. How many hours per week is the role?
It is a full-time role, working 40 hours per week.
4. What kind of licence do I need?
You need a current driver’s licence and experience driving mini vans.
5. Is this a permanent role?
Yes, this is a permanent, full-time position.
6. What does the roster look like?
The roster works on a three-week cycle, offering variety each week.
7. What type of driving will I do?
You will drive a shuttle service between Dunedin and Wakari Hospital, as well as complete courier and equipment transport jobs.
8. Is customer service important for this role?
Yes, strong customer service skills are essential, as you will assist patients, visitors, and staff.
