Photo location: Rotorua, Central Plateau - Credit: Miles Holden
Pharmacy
Pharmacists in New Zealand play a vital role in healthcare, providing expert advice on medications, patient care, and treatment options. Settings include both hospital-based and community pharmacy-based.
Register with Health New Zealand
Latest News: Clinical Pharmacists needed as the New Zealand Government boosts cancer medicine funding
In October 2024, the New Zealand Government announced a major boost in funding for cancer medicines over the next four years. We are excited to announce the introduction of up to 26 new cancer treatments, significantly improving access. By helping manage treatment regimens to maximise efficiency and minimise side effects, you will be an integral part of helping those affected by cancer and improving their quality of life.
About the role
As well as potentially working in a pharmacy dispensary, you will find pharmacists working in many different clinical settings, such as inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and departments such as emergency, as well as undertaking the role of a prescribing pharmacist.
Some hospitals have specialised pharmacists working in aseptic compounding and or oncology/haematology units.
Salary, allowances & leave
Salary:
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Pharmacists have a 10-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $77K - NZ $116K
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Designated Pharmacists (e.g. Team Leader, Professional Advisor etc.) have a 10-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $111K - NZ $151K
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Penal and call-back rates.
Allowances:
- Higher duties and on-call allowances.
Leave:
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4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service).
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Shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work.
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A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum.
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6-12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service.
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Up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave
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12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on.
Pharmacists' Collective Agreement:
In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Pharmacists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.
Benefits & development opportunities
Additional benefits:
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Reimbursement of your Professional Registration costs.
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Health NZ covers your professional indemnity insurance.
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Time allocated for your Continuing Professional Development.
Further development opportunities may include:
- Further study: Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Pharmacy study options are offered at the University of Auckland and the University of Otago.
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Clinical Pharmacists work directly with healthcare teams to optimise medication therapy, particularly for complex cases.
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Pharmacist Prescriber: Clinical Pharmacists with experience working in multidisciplinary clinical health teams can further specialise as Pharmacist Prescribers, by completing additional studies.
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The two currently accredited programmes are:
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Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy in Prescribing offered by the University of Auckland.
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Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing offered by the University of Otago.
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Other accredited study programmes can be found on the Pharmaceutical Society website here.
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New Zealand Hospital Pharmacy Association provide a number of educational events across the year.
Roles & responsibilities
Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi:
- All Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora employees are expected to have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and be committed to implementing the principles within professional practice
Hospital-based Pharmacists:
Hospital Pharmacists in New Zealand ensure the safe and effective use of medicines in our hospitals. Their key responsibilities include:
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Dispensing and managing medications, ensuring they are safe and appropriate for each patient.
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Collaborating with healthcare teams to advise on treatments, adjusting doses, and suggesting alternatives when needed.
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Teaching patients about their medications, including usage, side effects, and adherence to their treatment plans.
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Providing detailed medication information and preparing custom medications when required.
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Tracking patients' responses to treatment, preventing medication errors, and adjusting therapies as necessary.
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Supervision, training and support of technicians, intern pharmacists and students
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Participating in an on-call service
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Partaking in interdisciplinary education
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Some hospitals have additional roles for pharmacists, such as Medication Safety, Informatics, Electronic Medicines Management, Cold Chain and clinical trials oversight
Clinical Pharmacists:
A clinical pharmacist in New Zealand focuses on optimising patient care through safe and effective medication use. Their key responsibilities include:
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Assessing patient needs, reviewing prescriptions, and adjusting treatment plans to ensure optimal outcomes.
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Tracking patient responses to medications and working closely with healthcare teams to provide medication-related advice.
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Teaching patients about medication usage, side effects, and the importance of adherence.
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Reviewing patient medication histories during transitions of care to prevent errors.
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Conducting medicine chart reviews, participating in consultant-led ward rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings, and answering medicines information enquiries.
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Monitoring drug levels in the bloodstream to ensure therapeutic, safe and effective dosing.
Prescribing Pharmacists:
When a clinical pharmacist becomes a prescribing pharmacist, their scope of practice expands, allowing them to independently prescribe medications under specific condition
Their increased responsibilities include:
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Prescribing pharmacists can assess patients' medical conditions, diagnose ailments within their area of expertise, and determine appropriate medication therapies.
- They are authorised to prescribe medications directly to patients, without needing a doctor’s approval. This can include adjusting dosages, switching therapies, and initiating treatments for conditions they are trained to manage.
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They also provide ongoing patient care by monitoring the effectiveness of the prescribed treatments, making necessary adjustments, and following up with patients to ensure the therapy is achieving the desired result
Required qualifications & registration
Pharmacy Qualification:
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You must hold an approved qualification in Pharmacy. Common pathways include:
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A Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Auckland or the University of Otago.
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An overseas qualification that is assessed as equivalent to New Zealand standards by the PCNZ.
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Registration with the PCNZ:
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All Pharmacists are required to be registered with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
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If you’re applying to register with the Pharmacy Council for the first time, we must ensure you’re fit for registration. It’s a requirement of the HPCA Act 2003.
Annual Practising Certificate (APC):
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To practice as a Pharmacist you must hold a valid Annual Practising Certificate (APC), which is renewed annually.
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To maintain the APC, you must:
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Provide evidence of ongoing competence.
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Demonstrate participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities.
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Other helpful links:
Information for International Candidates
Registration pathway for Canada, Ireland, the UK and USA candidates:
To apply for registration as a Pharmacist in New Zealand under the Recognised Equivalent Qualifications Route (REQR), pharmacists must:
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Hold a pharmacy degree from Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the USA, or have completed an approved programme (PEBC, OSPAP, or NAPLEX) in one of these countries.
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Be currently registered and in good standing with the pharmacy registration authority in their home country.
Applicants must pass the CAOP (Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacists) exam, delivered by the Australian Pharmacy Council. After passing, they have two years to apply for registration in New Zealand. Supporting documentation includes certificates of professional status, criminal conviction records, CAOP results, and a work history.
A pharmacist must also hold an annual practising certificate, initially under supervision, until all conditions are met for an unconditional practising certificate.
Registration pathway for Australian candidates:
Beginning your career
To become a Pharmacist you will need to:
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Complete a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Auckland or the University of Otago; and then
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Complete an internship of one year working in a hospital or community pharmacy; and also
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Register with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
Clinical Pharmacists:
- To become a clinical pharmacist you need to do three or more years of on-the-job training and post-graduate study.
Prescribing Pharmacists:
- To become a Pharmacist Prescriber you must complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy in Prescribing from the University of Auckland or a Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing from the University of Otago.
Our application process
Settings to work as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
Hospital Pharmacists
Hospital Pharmacists often work in Health New Zealand-owned public hospitals, collaborating with healthcare teams to manage and monitor safe and effective therapies for inpatients.
Clinical Pharmacists
Clinical Pharmacists work in hospitals or clinics and optimise drug treatments, manage chronic conditions, and collaborate with healthcare teams to tailor medication plans for patients.
Community Pharmacists
Community Pharmacists normally work in privately-owned pharmacies in cities and towns, they dispense medications, provide health advice and manage over-the-counter sales.
Working at Health New Zealand
'Te Whatu Ora' translates from our indigenous Māori language to 'the weaving of wellness'; which is what we are all about in our holistic delivery of world-class care for the health and wellbeing of the 5 million Kiwis in our communities.
Health New Zealand has an open and non-hierarchical approach to improving outcomes for our patients. Our cross-disciplinary collaborative way of working fosters a positive work environment where all members of our team feel supported and empowered.
Our commitment to you
We are dedicated to building a team that is representative of the communities that we are serving. We are committed to supporting health equity in our communities. Our kaimahi (staff) thrives on the diversity and inclusion of all perspectives and cultures, and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Health New Zealand has programmes and facilities available to both protect and improve our teams’ physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. We know that you do your best work when you’re feeling your best, so it’s important to us that this is a priority.
Looking to move to New Zealand to work as a Pharmacist?
Great news! Pharmacists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa. This means you and your family can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Explore Aotearoa
New Zealand - Aotearoa has been in the top 5 countries in the Global Peace Index every year since it launched in 2009 and has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres to the easy-going vibe of our coastal or rural communities.
Find out more information about what part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.
Te Tai Tokerau Northland
Population: 194,600
Northland is a beautiful and diverse region of Aotearoa, New Zealand with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in water sports, historic sites, natural beauty or ancient Kauri trees—Northland has it all!
Waitematā
Population: 650,000
Waitematā is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing Districts serving the largest population of all Health New Zealand. Waitematā offers a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the natural beauty and community spirit of suburban life.
Te Toka Tumai Auckland
Population: 500,000
Auckland the "City of Sails" is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s where metropolitan sophistication meets breathtaking natural beauty. Auckland is filled with a variety of warm and welcoming communities, packed with new places to explore.
Counties Manukau
Population: 500,000
Counties Manukau is a vibrant place where there's never a dull moment! Living and working here ensures you're always close to amenities, events and nature. You'll never run out of places to visit or things to do.
Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty
Population: 255,110
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty the chance for a better work-life balance.
Waikato
Population: 425,000
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.
Tairāwhiti
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause and reflect, and enjoy a true work-life balance. Gisborne’s relative isolation is its charm, surrounded by beaches & nature - don't worry though! Larger cities are only a quick flight away.
Lakes
Population: 110,000
The Lakes District is well known for its geothermal activity and natural hot springs. The area is located in the central North Island and is home to many geothermal attractions, such as geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.
Taranaki
Population: 130,000
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!
Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay
Population: 180,000
Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches and temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay boasts a lifestyle that is unmatched. The region is a popular destination for food and wine tourism, hiking, cycling and cultural events such as the annual Art Deco festival.
Whanganui
Population: 65,000
Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
Population: 445,000
Wellington, the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a bustling and diverse hub of culture and cosmopolitanism, renowned for its lively cafés, restaurants, and internationally acclaimed sporting and cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of a natural harbour. To the north of Wellington lie the regions of Porirua, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral
Population: 190,000
Get the best of both worlds - the perfect blend of rural and city living with the mountains, city and sea at your fingertips.
Wairarapa
Population: 48,000
From rugged coastlines, boutique vineyards to lush forests, Wairarapa is a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful environment to recharge after a rewarding day's work.
Nelson Marlborough
Population: 150,000
Nelson Marlborough has been dubbed the artistic capital with a thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast
Population: 32,000
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has views of both the mountain ranges and the ocean! It is an untamed natural wilderness of beautiful rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.
Waitaha Canterbury
Population: 600,000
The Canterbury region is a great place to live and work due to its natural beauty, vibrant economy, cultural diversity, strong community, and high quality of life.
South Canterbury
Population: 62,000
The South Canterbury District is an area of stunning beauty with great lifestyle opportunities, a safe and welcoming family-friendly environment, affordable living, excellent educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities.
Southern
Population: 350,000
Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill.
Photo location: Rotorua - Credit: Miles Holden |
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to New Zealand - Aotearoa is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.