Trainee or Phlebotomist - Patient Services - Wairarapa

Role overview

Awanui Labs, part of Awanui Group, is seeking a Trainee or Phlebotomist to join its Patient Services team in the Wairarapa region on a casual basis. The role supports the collection of blood and other contained specimens from patients in community and hospital settings, contributing directly to patient care and laboratory services.

The work covers the wider Wairarapa area, including South Wairarapa, as required. Flexibility is important, as shifts may fall on weekdays or weekends depending on service demand. The role can involve either full-time or part-time hours depending on the arrangement, but it is not suitable for students because the schedule generally does not align with study commitments.

Training will be provided to the right candidate, making this a good opportunity for someone starting out or building experience in healthcare and laboratory support.

About the organisation

Awanui Labs is part of one of New Zealand’s largest pathology networks, operating 25 laboratories and 150 collection centres with more than 2,200 employees across Aotearoa. The wider team includes pathologists, scientists, technicians, phlebotomists, couriers, and shared services staff who together deliver millions of patient results every year.

What the job involves

• Draw blood samples from patients in both community-based and hospital-based environments.
• Receive, manage, and handle contained biological specimens such as blood, faeces, urine, and tissue in line with safety and compliance requirements.
• Make sure all patient samples are correctly identified, labelled, handled, and transported.
• Assist with the processing and testing of specimens in the laboratory.
• Maintain a strong focus on patient care, confidentiality, and quality at all times.

What you should bring

• A careful, structured working style with the ability to follow strict quality procedures.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to deal effectively with internal and external customers.
• Good interpersonal skills and a professional approach.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory operations, including safety and equipment use, is preferred but not mandatory.
• A Diploma in Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science would be beneficial, though it is not required.
• Registration with the Medical Science Council and a current Annual Practising Certificate as a Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician in Patient Services is advantageous but not essential.
• A valid New Zealand full or restricted driver’s licence.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand.

Training and development

If the selected applicant is not yet registered with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand, the organisation will support them to work toward registration and qualification as a Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician within two years of employment. Candidates who are already working toward the relevant qualification or registration will also be considered.

Values and workplace culture

The organisation’s values shape a workplace built on care, improvement, and excellence:

• Manaakitanga: caring for one another and for the people served.
• Whakapakari: continuously improving and adapting to create opportunities for success.
• Hiranga: delivering the highest standards of medical and scientific expertise.

The laboratory environment is highly automated and technically advanced, and the team is supported by an in-house Learning & Development function to help strengthen skills, professional capability, and career growth.

Application information

Applications close on 21 July 2026.