Press release
OT Week 2016: 24th- 28th October
Every October, New Zealand Occupational Therapists (OTs) celebrate OT week.
This year the theme is "Occupation without Exception" meaning with no one or nothing excluded. It also incorporates the value of Occupational Therapists Kaiwhakaora Ngangahau in the community. #ValueYourOT.
OT week provides the opportunity to increase the understanding of what occupational therapy is and the benefits it
brings to people in their lives.
A toolkit and resources has been developed by Occupational Therapy New Zealand Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa (OTNZ-WNA),
to equip OTs to reach out to both colleagues and the community and share their message.
Examples of activities during the week include, giving presentations to colleagues, schools, GPs, clinics, or community
groups, morning and afternoon tea celebrations and providing displays and information on what OTs provide, photo
competitions and more.
On a daily basis OTs assist people to improve their well-being and quality of life. They treat injured, ill or disabled
patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities and help these patients develop, recover and improve the
skills needed for daily living and working. Most people are unaware just how diverse OTs are.
OTNZ-WNA: is the only professional Association for occupational therapists in New Zealand. OTNZ-WNA is the touchstone for
occupational therapy in Aotearoa: empowering individuals, whānau, organisations and communities to achieve health and
well-being through occupation. Visit our website http://www.otnz.co.nz