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Oncologists
We’re recruiting talented Radiation Oncologists and Medical Oncologists eager to get the most out of their career and to deliver our patients a better quality of life in roles across New Zealand.
Photo location: Lake Hāwea, Central Otago - Credit: Miles Holden
Register with Health New Zealand
Latest News: Medical Oncologists 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. Play a key role in delivering diagnostic, investigative, and treatment services, ensuring each patient receives personalised and effective care to help those affected by cancer and improve their quality of life.
Medical Oncologists
Working as a Medical Oncologist in New Zealand offers a unique experience for several reasons, making it an attractive destination to further your career. We have a collaborative and supportive healthcare system that has an integrated and cross-disciplinary way of working.
With an emphasis on collaboration between primary, secondary, and tertiary care, Medical Oncologists work closely with surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
Salary, allowances & leave
Salary:
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.
Benefits & development 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 Oncologists can enjoy flexible hours to make the most of all the country has to offer.
Leadership and career development opportunities:
Oncologists 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.
Roles & responsibilities
Medical Oncologists in New Zealand are critical in diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer patients using medicinal therapies. Primary responsibilities include:
Providing clinical care
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Assess patients and develop individualized treatment plans (e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy).
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Oversee treatment administration.
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Monitor progress and adjust therapies as needed.
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Completing post-treatment follow-up and long-term care are also essential.
Palliative care
- Help manage cancer symptoms and provide end-of-life care, focusing on patient comfort.
Working collaboratively
-
Work across multidisciplinary teams (surgeons, radiologists, etc.) to ensure comprehensive care.
-
Communicate treatment options and offer emotional support to patients and families.
Participating in research & education
- Participate in clinical trials, contribute to Medical Oncology research, and educate junior doctors and students, staying updated on advancements in cancer treatments.
Leadership & administration tasks
- Medical Oncologists need to maintain thorough patient records and may take on leadership roles within hospital units, contributing to policy and service improvements.
Advocacy & outreach
- Medical Oncologists may engage in public education about cancer prevention and advocate for patient access to innovative treatments.
Required qualifications & registration
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.
Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ):
To apply for Vocational Registration in Medical Oncology, you need either:
-
the FRACP (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) qualification in Medical Oncology; or
-
an international postgraduate medical qualification in Medical Oncology, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will be assessed against the standard of the FRACP.
-
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 Medical 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.
-
Desired experience:
- Experience in solid malignancy treatment, including Breast, Colorectal, Upper GI, NET, Melanoma and other cutaneous malignancies, Gynaecological malignancies, Lung, Genitourinary, Head & Neck, Thyroid, CNS, and/or Sarcoma.
Beginning your career
To become a Medical Oncologist, you will need to:
-
complete the Health Sciences First Year programme at the University of Otago or the first year of either the Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland; and then
-
complete a five-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at Otago or Auckland University; and then
-
work for two years as a house officer (supervised junior doctor) in a hospital; and then
-
complete another five years as a registrar with specialist training and examinations to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Information for international candidates
Registering to work as a Medical Oncologist in New Zealand:
To work as a Medical Oncologist in New Zealand you will need to obtain Vocational Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
Pathways to Vocational Registration include:
1. Direct pathway to Vocational Registration:
-
If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) with specialist qualifications from countries with medical systems deemed equivalent to New Zealand’s (e.g., Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, or some European countries), you may be eligible to apply directly for vocational registration without needing to first obtain general registration.
-
In this pathway, the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) will assess your specialist qualifications, clinical experience, and the medical system where you trained. If these are deemed equivalent, you can apply directly for vocational registration in your specialty (such as Medical Oncology).
-
This pathway allows experienced specialists to bypass general registration and the provisional general phase, which is typically required for doctors without a recognised specialist qualification.
2. Provisional Vocational Registration pathway
-
If the MCNZ determines that your qualifications and experience are largely equivalent but that you need some orientation or assessment within the New Zealand healthcare system, you may be granted provisional vocational registration.
-
This means you’ll practice in your specialty under supervision for a period, typically between 6-12 months, before being granted full vocational registration.
-
During this provisional Vocational Registration period, a specialist who practises in the same area of medicine as you will supervise you.
3. General registration pathway
-
Some IMGs who do not meet the criteria for direct vocational registration may first need to obtain general registration if their qualifications and experience are not recognized as equivalent.
-
This process to gain Vocational Registration includes:
-
A period of Provisional General Registration (with supervised practice) if necessary.
-
After obtaining General Registration, they can later apply for Vocational Registration once they have completed any further assessments or additional supervised practice required by the MCNZ.
-
Take the self-assessment
The Medical Council of New Zealand have a self-assessment tool to help you easily determine which registration pathway you should take.
Use the Medical Council's self-assessment tool
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.
Radiation Oncologists
Working as a Radiation Oncologist in New Zealand offers a unique work-life balance in a clean, green, and safe environment. The country's healthcare system, particularly in oncology, is recognised for its high standards and patient-centred care.
Radiation Oncologists have access to modern equipment and advanced technologies such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy). Our well-coordinated cancer care system emphasizes innovation and provides high-quality treatment options.
Salary, allowances & leave
Salary:
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.
Benefits & development 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 Oncologists can enjoy flexible hours to make the most of all the country has to offer.
Leadership and career development opportunities:
Oncologists 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.
Roles & responsibilities
Radiation Oncologists in New Zealand play a pivotal role in diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer patients through the application of advanced radiation therapies.
Primary responsibilities include:
Providing clinical care
-
Assessing patients and developing individualised radiation treatment plans, incorporating techniques such as external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or stereotactic treatments.
-
Supervising the planning and precise delivery of radiotherapy in collaboration with clinical physicists and therapeutic radiographers.
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Monitoring patients’ progress throughout treatment, adjusting plans as required to optimise outcomes while minimising side effects.
-
Conducting post-treatment follow-ups and contributing to long-term survivorship care plans.
Palliative care
- Designing and delivering palliative radiotherapy to alleviate cancer symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide end-of-life support when necessary.
Working collaboratively
-
Operating within multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and coordinated care.
-
Communicating complex treatment options clearly, and addressing patient and family concerns with empathy and support.
Participating in research and education
-
Engaging in clinical trials and research projects to advance radiotherapy techniques and outcomes.
-
Mentoring junior doctors, trainees, and medical students, fostering the development of future oncology specialists.
-
Staying abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in cancer care through continuous professional development.
Leadership and administrative tasks
-
Maintaining comprehensive and accurate patient records to ensure continuity of care.
-
Contributing to departmental management, service development, and hospital policy improvements.
-
Taking on leadership roles within oncology services as required, guiding clinical practice standards and team operations.
Advocacy and outreach
-
Promoting awareness of cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and the benefits of radiotherapy through public education initiatives.
-
Advocating for equitable access to advanced cancer treatments and patient support services across New Zealand.
Required qualifications & registration
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.
Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ):
To apply for Vocational Registration in Radiation Oncology, you need either:
-
the Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) qualification, or
-
an international postgraduate medical qualification in Medical Oncology, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will be assessed against the standard of the FRANZCR.
-
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 Medical 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.
-
Beginning your career
To become a Radiation Oncologist, you will need to:
-
complete the Health Sciences First Year programme at the University of Otago or the first year of either the Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland; and then
-
complete a five-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at Otago or Auckland University; and then
-
work for two years as a house officer (supervised junior doctor) in a hospital; and then
-
complete another five years as a registrar with specialist training and examinations to become a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR).
Information for international candidates
Registering to work as a Radiation Oncologist in New Zealand:
To work as a Radiation Oncologist in New Zealand you will need to obtain Vocational Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
Pathways to Vocational Registration include:
1. Direct pathway to Vocational Registration:
-
If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) with specialist qualifications from countries with medical systems deemed equivalent to New Zealand’s (e.g., Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, or some European countries), you may be eligible to apply directly for vocational registration without needing to first obtain general registration.
-
In this pathway, the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) will assess your specialist qualifications, clinical experience, and the medical system where you trained. If these are deemed equivalent, you can apply directly for vocational registration in your specialty (such as Radiation Oncology).
-
This pathway allows experienced specialists to bypass general registration and the provisional general phase, which is typically required for doctors without a recognised specialist qualification.
2. Provisional Vocational Registration pathway
-
If the MCNZ determines that your qualifications and experience are largely equivalent but that you need some orientation or assessment within the New Zealand healthcare system, you may be granted provisional vocational registration.
-
This means you’ll practice in your specialty under supervision for a period, typically between 6-12 months, before being granted full vocational registration.
-
During this provisional Vocational Registration period, a specialist who practises in the same area of medicine as you will supervise you.
3. General registration pathway
-
Some IMGs who do not meet the criteria for direct vocational registration may first need to obtain general registration if their qualifications and experience are not recognized as equivalent.
-
This process to gain Vocational Registration includes:
-
A period of Provisional General Registration (with supervised practice) if necessary.
-
After obtaining General Registration, they can later apply for Vocational Registration once they have completed any further assessments or additional supervised practice required by the MCNZ.
-
Take the self-assessment
The Medical Council of New Zealand have a self-assessment tool to help you easily determine which registration pathway you should take.
Use the Medical Council's self-assessment tool
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.
Our application process
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 an Oncologist?
Great news! Oncologists (Senior Medical Officers) 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 can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!
Explore Aotearoa
Aotearoa New Zealand 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 easygoing 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 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.
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Photo location: Wānaka - Credit: Miles Holden |
Aotearoa New Zealand - a place like no other
The quality of life here has to be lived to be believed. So if you’re ready to bring true balance back to your life, while being part of an innovative, progressive and passionate Oncology team, we sure have something for you.
Learn more about what its like to be an Oncologist in New Zealand in this video from our South Island teams.
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand 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.