Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Salary:

Obstetricians & Gynaecologists receive a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.

In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Senior Medical Officers collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.

Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service and are often not specified in the collective agreement.

Allowances:

There are a range of additional allowances for:

• on-call,

• evening, night and weekend work,

• call back,

• job size,

• recruitment and retention,

• and special contribution.

Leave:

• 6 weeks of paid annual leave.

• A minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year.

• 10 days of paid Continuing Medical Education Leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel.

• 6-12 months of parental leave depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

• 12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on.

• Long service leave + sabbatical opportunities.

Additional benefits include: 

• Reimbursement of your registration and practising certificate fees.

• Your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ.

• A paid continuing professional development allowance.

• An annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees).

• If eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

• A relocation package for international candidates.

• Great balance: New Zealand is known for our work-life balance, and O&G specialists can enjoy flexible hours to make the most of all the country has to offer.

Leadership and career development opportunities:

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists at Health New Zealand are actively involved in the design, implementation and performance of cancer facilities and technology involved in the delivery of healthcare services to ensure an effective, efficient and safe workplace. 

Opportunities can include:  

• Support and encouragement for research and publications.

• Mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars.

• Regional and National networks allow for subspeciality research and practice. 

• Ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes. 

Work-life balance: 

• New Zealand places a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists often work in structured shifts in the public sector, which helps to avoid burnout. There is a focus on ensuring that specialists have manageable workloads with adequate time off to spend with family and to enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities. 

Funded professional development opportunities: 

• Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in New Zealand are required to continue their education and are supported through funded professional development programmes. You will have access to training and career advancement through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). 

Publicly funded healthcare system: 

• Healthcare professionals, including O&G specialists, work within a publicly funded system, which means you can focus on patient care without the financial pressures that often come from other country settings. This ensures a more equitable healthcare delivery system and less administrative or risk burden for the specialists. 

Cultural engagement and impact: 

• New Zealand’s O&G specialists often work closely with Māori and Pacific communities, providing a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a significant difference in reducing healthcare disparities. You will be trained to provide culturally appropriate care, and you will find the emphasis on cultural competence to be a fulfilling aspect of your work. 

Job security: 

• There is a strong demand for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in New Zealand, especially in rural areas and regions facing workforce shortages. This ensures high job security, and a wonderful opportunity to call New Zealand home. 

Relocation and incentive packages: 

• Internationally recruited specialists may receive relocation packages. Health New Zealand has a team of dedicated Licenced Immigration Advisors and provides support with immigration and visa processing. Some positions, especially in rural or high-demand regions, may come with additional financial incentives. 

Living in New Zealand:

• The country's high quality of life, safety, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cities are major draws for professionals. 

Below is an overview of their key roles and responsibilities:

Obstetric care:

• Antenatal care: Monitoring and managing the health of pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. This includes regular check-ups, diagnosing any complications, and providing medical advice regarding fetal development, maternal nutrition, and exercise.

• Labour and delivery: Overseeing and managing the childbirth process, including both natural and assisted deliveries. This may involve:

  • Performing caesarean sections if medically necessary.

  • Using techniques like forceps or vacuum extraction during difficult deliveries.

  • Managing complications such as breech births, pre-eclampsia, or premature labour.

• Postnatal care: Ensuring the health of both mother and baby after delivery. This includes monitoring recovery from childbirth and addressing any postpartum complications.

Gynaecological care:

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynaecological Conditions: Managing conditions related to the female reproductive system, such as:

  • Menstrual disorders (e.g., heavy bleeding, pain).

  • Endometriosis.

  • Ovarian cysts.

  • Uterine fibroids.

  • Pelvic organ prolapse.

• Surgical interventions: Performing surgical procedures such as hysterectomies, laparoscopy, and myomectomies. Specialists may also manage more complex surgeries like repairing pelvic floor damage after childbirth.

• Fertility treatments: Diagnosing and managing infertility issues, including performing procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Family planning and contraceptive services:

• Advising patients on family planning options and providing contraception solutions such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, and oral contraceptives.

• Offering counselling and performing sterilisation procedures like tubal ligation.

Cancer screening and treatment:

• Screening for and diagnosing gynaecological cancers such as cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer. This includes performing pap smears, colposcopies, and biopsies.

• Managing cancer treatment plans, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or referrals to oncologists for advanced care.

Emergency care:

• Managing Obstetric emergencies: Handling life-threatening conditions like severe haemorrhaging, ectopic pregnancies, or placental abruption. Immediate decision-making is often required in these scenarios to save both the mother and the child.

• Urgent Gynaecological care: Responding to urgent cases such as ovarian torsion or ruptured cysts that may require immediate surgical intervention.

Education and advocacy:

• Patient education: Educating women on sexual and reproductive health, prenatal care, and general well-being. Specialists play an important role in providing information on issues such as menopause, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and healthy pregnancy.

• Mentorship and training: In teaching hospitals, O&G specialists often train junior doctors, registrars, and medical students. They may also be involved in developing healthcare policies and programs focused on women's health.

Cultural competency and care for Māori and Pacific populations:

• Providing culturally appropriate care that acknowledges and integrates Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and the unique health needs of Māori and Pacific women.

• Ensuring healthcare practices respect Māori traditions and values, particularly in maternity care.

Administrative duties:

• Record keeping: Maintaining accurate and detailed medical records, including patient histories, treatment plans, and surgical reports.

• Collaboration: Working closely with other healthcare professionals such as Midwives, Nurses, Paediatricians, and Anaesthetists to ensure comprehensive care for patients.

• Compliance: Adhering to the guidelines, protocols, and ethical standards set by the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in New Zealand must meet rigorous educational, clinical, and professional standards, ensuring they are highly skilled and culturally competent. This is critical for delivering high-quality care in the country’s diverse healthcare system.

Medical professionals training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in New Zealand typically undergo six years of medical school, followed by a comprehensive training program under the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). This involves advanced clinical experience and specialisation.

Skills:

• Clinical Skills: Expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. This includes performing surgeries like caesarean sections, hysterectomies, and other gynaecological procedures.

• Communication: Strong communication skills are critical for explaining diagnoses, procedures, and care plans to patients. This also includes counselling patients through sensitive health matters.

• Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with midwives, nurses, paediatricians, anaesthetists, and other specialists in multidisciplinary teams.

• Problem-solving: Obstetricians and gynaecologists must be able to think critically and act decisively, especially in high-pressure situations like complicated pregnancies or childbirth emergencies.

• Cultural competency: Understanding of and respect for New Zealand’s diverse cultural landscape, including the ability to provide care that aligns with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is culturally appropriate for Māori and Pacific populations.

Experience:

• Postgraduate training: After completing medical school, O&G specialists must undergo specialist training, which takes about 6 years in New Zealand. This involves clinical rotations in obstetrics, gynaecology, and related subspecialties.

• Specialty registration: Specialists need to be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) under the vocational scope of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

• International experience: International specialists must have completed training and be eligible for registration through recognised qualifications and sufficient clinical experience. Comparable training from countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada is often considered acceptable.

Knowledge:

• Medical knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of female reproductive anatomy, fetal development, maternal health, fertility treatments, prenatal care, and surgical techniques specific to obstetrics and gynaecology.

• Knowledge of guidelines: Familiarity with New Zealand's healthcare guidelines, protocols, and ethical standards for maternal and reproductive healthcare.

• Epidemiology and population health: Knowledge of population-specific health challenges, particularly around maternal health for Māori and Pacific women, ensuring that care plans consider socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors.

Qualifications:

• Medical Degree (MBChB or equivalent): Completion of a basic medical degree from a recognized institution.

• Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG): This is the main qualification to practice as an O&G specialist in New Zealand. The training includes clinical practice, exams, and assessments, which culminate in a Fellowship (FRANZCOG).

• Registration with the MCNZ: Specialists must hold vocational registration in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), demonstrating they have met New Zealand’s medical standards.

• Ongoing professional development: O&G specialists are required to engage in continuous education to keep up with medical advancements and maintain their registration.

Additional attributes:

• Empathy and compassion: The nature of the specialty, which often involves sensitive issues such as fertility, pregnancy loss, and childbirth complications, requires a compassionate and empathetic approach.

• Physical dexterity: Performing surgeries and delivering babies demands high levels of hand-eye coordination and physical stamina.

• Adaptability: Given the unpredictability of childbirth and emergency situations, adaptability is essential.

International specialists must have qualifications and experience that are comparable to those required in New Zealand. If they come from a recognised country like Australia, USA, UK/Ireland, or Canada, they may follow the pathway for vocational registration in O&G with the MCNZ.

Find out more about life in New Zealand

We have a page dedicated to providing information to candidates about our recruitment process, what you need to work in New Zealand and key details about moving here.

Visit our Candidate Information page

Salary:

Gynaecological Oncologists receive a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.

In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Senior Medical Officers collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.

Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service and are often not specified in the collective agreement.

Allowances:

There are a range of additional allowances for:

• on-call,

• evening, night and weekend work,

• call back,

• job size,

• recruitment and retention,

• and special contribution.

Leave:

• 6 weeks of paid annual leave.

• A minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year.

• 10 days of paid Continuing Medical Education Leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel.

• 6-12 months of parental leave depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

• 12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on.

• Long service leave + sabbatical opportunities.

Additional benefits include: 

• Reimbursement of your registration and practising certificate fees.

• Your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ.

• An annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees).

• If eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

• A relocation package for international candidates.

Benefits of working in New Zealand:

• Great balance: New Zealand is known for its work-life balance to make the most of what the country has to offer.

• Multidisciplinary Team (MDT):  Work alongside experts in oncology, pathology, radiology, radiation oncology, and supportive care services.  A supportive and dynamic environment for Gynaecological Oncologists, fostering professional growth while enabling work-life balance.  

• Work arrangements: Options for full-time, or locum positions to suit individual needs.   

• Wellbeing support: Access to wellness programs, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and support services for personal and professional wellbeing. 

• Exceptional quality of life:  Living in New Zealand provides access to stunning natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and a family-friendly environment.  The Auckland and Christchurch regions offers excellent schools, a vibrant cultural scene, and world-class amenities. 

• Continuing Medical Education (CME): Financial support and paid leave to attend conferences, workshops, and training programs locally or internationally. 

• Research opportunities: Collaboration with the University of Auckland or the University of Otago and other academic institutions for clinical trials and research in gynaecological oncology.   

• Mentorship and teaching: Engage in teaching medical students, registrars, and fellows, contributing to the future workforce. 

Leadership and career development opportunities:

Opportunities can include:  

• Support and encouragement for research and publications.
  

• Mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars.
  

• Regional and National networks allow for subspeciality research and practice. 
  

• Ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes. 

• Collaborate and work to maintain equitable Gynaecological Oncology services in line with strategic requirements.

• Provide support to other Consultants in the specialty, routine and emergency Gynaecological Oncology services.

• Provide a consultation and advisory service to medical colleagues in other specialties

• Development in special interests to complement existing Consultants in the specialty and in accordance with the Health New Zealand priorities.

• Develop appropriate services and techniques required to fulfil clinical needs, within available resources.

• Participate in the professional supervision and appraisal of junior medical staff in conjunction with colleagues.

Medical qualification:

• You must hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB); or

• an overseas qualification that is assessed as equivalent to New Zealand standards by the MCNZ.

Subspecialty Qualification:

• You will need CGO accreditation (Gynaecological Oncology certification with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)),

• or equivalent subspecialty qualification in Gynaecological Oncology.

Colposcopy Accreditation

Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ):

To apply for Vocational Registration, you need either:

• the Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG) qualification in; or

• an international postgraduate medical qualification in O&G, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will be assessed against the standard of the FRANZCOG.

  • More information on international medical graduates' registration pathways can be found in the 'Information for international candidates'.

Annual Practising Certificate (APC):

• To practice as a Gynaecological Oncologist you must hold a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC) with the MCNZ which is renewed annually.

• To maintain the APC, you must:

  • Provide evidence of ongoing competence.

  • Demonstrate participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.