Psychiatrists
Seize the opportunity of a lifetime as a Psychiatrist in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand and make a difference in the lives of patients while enriching your own life.
Register now
Revitalise your Career in Psychiatry
One of the best things about living and working in Aotearoa New Zealand are the opportunities to experience nature, outdoor adventure and vibrant cities so close to where you live and work.
Our Psychiatrists provide clinical expertise and excellent care to individuals while being a part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
Psychiatrists are in high demand in New Zealand and are on Immigration's long-term skill shortage list, meaning we are actively working to help you make a difference, somewhere different in Aotearoa.
Psychiatrists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer.
We’re recruiting for all Psychiatry roles nationwide, check our some of our most in-demand specialties below.
Photo location: Waikato
Can we fast-track your registration?
From November 1, 2024, overseas doctors with approved specialist qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and Australia can apply for fast-track registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, under the scopes of General Practice, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia, Internal Medicine and Pathology. Registration applications will be fast-tracked and processed within 20 working days, allowing specialised Senior Medical Officers to start working in New Zealand - Aotearoa much faster.
Career and Lifestyle Match
Want to know more about our beautiful Districts? Or, are you ready to choose your preferred locations?
Your Registration Eligibility
As an overseas qualified Psychiatrist, you will need to gain registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. See which pathway for registration is best based on your country of origin and qualifications.
About the Role
What is it like to work as a Psychiatrist in New Zealand?
In Aotearoa, New Zealand, psychiatry is generally practised as a hybrid of primary and secondary care specialty, based either in an inpatient unit or in specialist community mental health teams (CMHTs).
Community mental health teams (CMHTs) cover a designated geographical area, where they work very closely and in collaboration with their nursing and allied health colleagues.
In general, doctors who have trained or worked in the UK/Ireland/Western European countries/Canada/USA and Australia are reasonably likely to be able to work in New Zealand. See below for more detailed information.
Salary, allowances & leave
Psychiatrists 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:
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on-call
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evening, night and weekend work
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call back
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job size
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recruitment and retention
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special contribution
Leave:
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6 weeks of paid annual leave
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A minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year
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10 days of paid Continuing Medical Education Leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel
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6-12 months of parental leave depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave
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12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on
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Long service leave + sabbatical opportunities
Registration as a Psychiatrist in New Zealand
To work as a Psychiatrist in Aotearoa, New Zealand, you need to be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
To apply for vocational registration in psychiatry, you need either:
- the Fellowship of the RANZCP (FRANZCP) qualification; or
- an international postgraduate medical qualification in Psychiatry, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will be assessed against the standard of the FRANZCP.
International psychiatrists who hold the highest psychiatry qualification in their home country (at the time of qualification) may apply for specialist assessment by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists for a FRANZCP. The assessment will determine which of the three pathways you will follow to attain a FRANZCP
Registration Support
We have helpful information put together by Tu Te Akaaka Roa, the Aotearoa New Zealand office of RANZCP.
It explains the role of Tu Te Akaaka Roa, the support available with registration and your move to our beautiful country. There’s also a great network of mentors to support you.
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Photo location: Marlborough |
Explore Aotearoa
Whether you like the big city, the beach, the mountains, or all of the above - we have a broad range of places to call home.
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 Gisborne
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti, you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause, 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.
Northern Region
Te Manawa Taki
Central Region
Te Waipounamu Region
Our Application Process
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, and 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.