Hmmm, I don't agree with you there Frootloop, certainly not in the last 2-3 years. There is definitely a good proportion of non-clinical applicants coming through the alternative category - the entry requirements have been updated to reflect this too (it used to be quite specific for allied health professionals/mental health).
There are plenty of non-clinical grads, post docs, ex-army, ex-police, law, graphic design/art, biochemists, even an astrology background in my year and I do know coming into ELM2 this year are two teachers (biology and english one of each).
Clinical professionals I can think of - nurses, clinical psychs, paramedics/ambulance officers (ICPs), dietitian, speech language therapist, physios, pharmacists, respiratory physiologists and cardiac physiologists.
The interview is a panel interview, 4-5 person, it was headed by Tony Zaharich at the time I interviewed and wasn't a "grilling" - very conversational - they just want to get to know you, they will pick something off of your CV to chat about, they want to hear your experiences, why you want to study medicine at Otago, how you will handle certain situations, what you could bring to the course/your cohort, and someone on the panel will put an ethical scenario to you. The hour or so goes really quickly!
All the best, remember you do only have one shot at applying in this category so I recommend touching base with admissions - Nicola Hoodless or Katherine Greenberg are really helpful and will give you great feedback on your eligibility and suggestions re waiting to apply.