The 2018 Occupational Therapy Whakaora Ngangahau Hazel Skilton Founder's award winner for this year, is Tauranga resident Jane Wilson.

This prestigious award is presented to occupational therapists who demonstrate the values shown by Hazel Skilton, the founder of the Occupational Therapy Association in New Zealand.

Those values include the promotion of health through commitment to occupation based interventions, service to others, mentoring, and inspirational leadership.

Jane is an active participant in the Occupational Therapy New Zealand-Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa Association, having held a position on council from 2002-2008 and again in 2014-2016.

During the former term of office, Jane supported the introduction of sustainable governance practices.

In the latter term of office, she was part of the team that kick started the bicultural governance journey that led to the association being authentic with regards to the provisions, spirit and intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Jane is a well regarded as a leader who is willing to take on challengers whilst maintaining occupational therapy values. She is also respected for her role as a mentor to both occupational therapy students and practising occupational therapists.

This is something Jane has done throughout her career, enjoying the growth, development and success of others. She is currently working in an Allied Health leadership position.

'Never underestimate your influence on those you treat. You will be remembered as someone who has had an effect on their lives as you take personal interest in them, and as you give them the means to improve their health,” says Hazel Skilton.

Through is award, OTNZ-WNA acknowledged the influence that Jane has had on those she has worked with in the provision of occupational therapy services and the magnificent contribution she has made to her profession.