Peke Waihanga Commits to Future Talent in Prosthetics/Orthotics

Peke Waihanga Graduate Programme tackles the difficulties the organisation has recruiting Prosthetists/Orthotists – an essential role in the organisation. 

Additionally, the world is witnessing significant increases in musculoskeletal conditions and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and stroke, which, if they continue, will greatly add to the need for prostheses and orthoses. 

There is no training available in New Zealand for Clinical Prosthetist/Orthotists and historically Peke Waihanga has had to recruit extensively from overseas to fill these positions. This has meant a lengthy recruitment process with wait times of around six months before applicants can start in New Zealand.  

With 51 Clinical prosthetists/orthotists making up Peke Waihanga’ total staff of 168, recruitment is an ongoing issue that is exacerbated by a worldwide shortage of healthcare staff. 

Human Resources Manager Sarah Maguire says it is recognised that in New Zealand and across the world, demand for Clinical Prosthetists/Orthotists will continue to increase over the next ten years. A key group currently employed at Peke Waihanga is also due to retire.  

To support succession planning and widen the talent pool, Peke Waihanga launched a Prosthetist/Orthotist Graduate Programme in 2019.  This programme financially supports 1-2 people each year to enrol in the three-year Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia.  

First to complete the bachelor’s degree was Taylor Aldridge who is now employed by Peke Waihanga as a Clinical Prosthetist/Technician in Tauranga.  

Daniel Gruppelaar, who worked in the Peke Waihanga Christchurch Centre as a Technician for one year before heading to Australia, is due to complete his studies and return to work with Peke Waihanga in 2026. Sorrel An and Amy Blomquist are due to complete their studies in December 2024 and December 2026, respectively. Alex Stephenson who is currently a technician at the Wellington Centre) is due to join the bachelor’s course in 2025, and Alex McGregor, technician at the Auckland Centre) is planning to begin his studies in 2026. 

“Peke Waihanga Graduate Programme aims to address recruitment issues by providing education and training options and future proofing the workforce, therefore enabling a better continuum of care and a ‘whole of life’ service to our patients” says Sarah.