Thinking of working as a doctor in New Zealand? Let us help you find the next step for your medical career with opportunities available throughout the North and South Islands.
Enjoy job flexibility and create more time for the things you love, while making a meaningful impact in the healthcare sector of beautiful New Zealand. Explore our range of doctor jobs, from permanent positions to locum roles, in small communities and urban centres, and take the next step towards an exciting and fulfilling medical career in this breathtaking country.
Discover the countless reasons why doctors are drawn to work in New Zealand. Take a closer look at the distinctive regions below and embark on an extraordinary medical career journey in New Zealand, where incredible landscapes and fulfilling professional experiences await you.
Locuming gives you flexibility to be on the ward one day and climbing a mountain the next. You’ll earn better money, giving you financial freedom without being locked-in to a role. Take days, or even weeks off to travel. Make time your own.
Working as a doctor in NZ means you get back time with your family. Have the opportunity to do the things you love doing. Make the school run, spend time with friends, renovate the house. Being a locum will help to keep life fun and interesting.
Experience life in a different part of New Zealand. Learn from new environments. Enjoy working in an interesting and challenging area of medicine or give back by helping a community that's in need of your expertise.
Specialist Consultant
SMO/MOSS
Specialist Consultant
Explore our IMG resources to discover the pathways available for International Medical Graduates who are seeking doctor jobs in New Zealand and Australia. Expand your knowledge and find guidance for your medical career journey.
Unlock valuable insights about the New Zealand job market with our free job market report. Gain essential knowledge on the factors shaping the healthcare landscape, high-demand specialties, and average pay rates for both locum and permanent roles across the country.
Download the report now and make informed decisions for your medical career in New Zealand.
MCNZ (Medical Council of New Zealand) registered doctors have a plethora of opportunities available for them to find both permanent and locum positions. If you are an Australian-trained doctor, you can work in New Zealand by obtaining MCNZ registration, and we are here to support you throughout this process. If you're looking for New Zealand jobs for foreign doctors who obtained their primary medical degree from medical schools overseas, it is beneficial to have at least 12 months of experience in a comparable health system such as the UK or Ireland. Working in New Zealand as an internationally trained doctor involves navigating certain pathways and considering specific restrictions. However, rest assured that we are well-versed in these processes and can guide you accordingly. Our goal is to simplify the process and help you embark on a successful medical career in beautiful New Zealand.
There are a wide range of full time and part time jobs for doctors in New Zealand, for both specialist doctors and general practitioners across various locations. While a lot of locum work is available in rural areas, it's important to note that there are doctor job vacancies in urban centres as well. Lots of doctors we work with love using locum roles as an opportunity to experience unique corners of the country. The distribution of work also depends on your preferred type of employment. Long-term positions provide stability and continuity, while fixed-term contracts offer the chance to gain diverse experiences in different healthcare settings. Additionally, the availability of work is influenced by your specialty and level of experience. Certain areas may have a higher demand for specific medical specialties, presenting more opportunities in those fields.
Nope! Our service is free for doctors. We have established strong partnerships with hospitals and clinics across the country, and they compensate us for our expertise in matching qualified doctors to their staffing needs. We are proud to be preferred suppliers in several states and areas, a testament to our successful track record. Working with a medical recruitment agency means we'll take care of the hiring and credentialing process, so you can focus on the next steps in your medical career.
Your registration number, a current CV and three references are the essentials of any job application. Other paperwork that's commonly required is:
What you'll need can vary slightly between Australian states and in New Zealand. Some states/locations also ask you complete an online training course (eMedical Courses). We're here to help guide you through the requirements and we'll give you a checklist detailing everything you need.
The method of payment for doctors varies depending on the specific hospital or clinic where they work. There are generally three ways in which doctors can receive payment:
The specific payment arrangement for each job can be confirmed by your dedicated recruitment specialist. They will provide you with detailed information regarding how you will be paid for each position you undertake, taking into account factors such as private billing, if applicable, and any specific payment arrangements set by the hospital or clinic.
The timeframe for obtaining medical registration in New Zealand can vary depending on individual circumstances. The process involves several steps, including verification of qualifications, assessments, and submission of supporting documentation. Generally, it can take several months to complete. To obtain medical registration, applicants must provide evidence of their qualifications, complete the necessary paperwork, and satisfy the Medical Council of New Zealand’s requirements. The council evaluates each application on an individual basis and may request additional information or assessments as needed. It's important to note that the process may take longer for internationally trained doctors, as their qualifications and experience are assessed for comparability with New Zealand standards. Our goal is to facilitate a smooth transition into the New Zealand healthcare system, allowing you to pursue your medical career in this remarkable country.
There is a consistent demand for doctors in New Zealand, especially in rural hospitals and hard-to-staff areas. Factors like an ageing population and increasing health needs further elevate this demand and mean there are many jobs in New Zealand for doctors availalable. In September of 2022, Immigration New Zealand announced a new pathway to residence for Medical Practitioners. This pathway now means that doctors with trained in comparative medical systems could be eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa. To find out more medical pathways for IMG doctors register with us and one of our team can have a chat about our free support services to assist IMGs and what pathway is right for you.
New Zealand doctor jobs have salaries that vary depending on the grade, specialty, and other factors. Junior doctors typically earn between $70,000 to $100,000 NZD annually. Registrars can expect $70,000 to $120,000 NZD, and experienced General Practitioners (GPs) usually range from $150,000 to $200,000 NZD. Specialist Consultants might earn upwards of $250,000 NZD. Among doctors, pay varies depending on seniority, hours worked, location, which district health board you work under, and frequency of on-call and emergency work.
Doctors in New Zealand often receive overtime pay, especially when working beyond standard hours or during public holidays. The exact rates and conditions can vary based on employment agreements, the specific health board, and the doctor's role. Typically, the Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) agreement covers junior doctors, detailing overtime provisions. It's essential to review employment contracts or consult the New Zealand Medical Association for precise overtime stipulations.
There are many pathways to registration for foreign doctors to practise in New Zealand, ultimately they must secure registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. International medical graduates may undergo assessments to ensure their qualifications match NZ standards. Some countries have reciprocal agreements, simplifying this process. To find out more medical pathways for IMG doctors register with us and one of our team can have a chat about our free support services to assist IMGs and what pathway is right for you.
