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Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easy-going lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty a chance for a better work-life balance.
Photo location: Moutohora Island - Credit: Camilla Rutherford
The Bay of Plenty is located on the sunny eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island.
The region includes cities and towns such as Tauranga, Whakatāne, Te Puke, Kawerau and Murupara.
The Bay of Plenty lives up to its name and is well-known for its stunning coastline, and favourable weather. The mild climate in the region is quite popular among vacationers, retirees, and individuals seeking a lifestyle removed from urban centers.
Health New Zealand - Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty District
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is the Government organisation that provides publicly-funded universal health care to 5 million Kiwis. The management and delivery of health services are broken down into 'Districts' across the country, determined by both geographic location and population.
Health New Zealand - Bay of Plenty is one of 20 health districts in Aotearoa, New Zealand and one of five that make up the Midland region. We serve a population of approximately 255,110 residents, with 199,751 in the Western Bay of Plenty and 55,359 in the Eastern Bay of Plenty across two hospitals based in Tauranga and Whakatāne.
View current vacancies in this district
Photo location: Mount Maunganui - Credit: Camilla Rutherford
Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals
Health New Zealand - Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty is one of the Bay of Plenty’s largest employers with over 4500 staff. Our major population centres are Tauranga, Katikati, Te Puke, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki.
The Bay of Plenty is growing at a faster rate than the New Zealand population as a whole. The population is forecast to grow by 20.5% between 2016 and 2026. Most of this growth is expected in the Western Bay of Plenty (particularly Tauranga), with the Eastern Bay of Plenty expected to have a static or declining population.
Bay of Plenty Health Services
Services A to H
| Adolescent health |
| Adolescent mental health |
| Allied Health |
| Child health services and support |
| Breast screening |
| Breastfeeding |
| Cardiology |
| Cervical screening |
| Chaplaincy |
| Child development |
| Child health services and support |
| Community therapy |
| Dementia |
| Dermatology |
| Diabetes |
| Dietitians |
| Support Net | Disability services and support |
| District nursing |
| Ear, nose and throat |
| Emergency department (ED) |
| Endocrinology |
| General surgery |
| Gynaecology |
| Health in Ageing |
| Healthy Hearts Cardiac Rehab Programme |
Services I to Z
| Immunisation |
| Infectious diseases |
| Interpreters |
| Mental health and addiction |
| National Bowel Screening Programme |
| Newborn hearing screening |
| Occupational therapy |
| Oncology |
| Ophthalmology |
| Oral health and dental care |
| Orthopaedics |
| Pelvic health |
| Physiotherapy |
| Planned care services |
| Podiatry |
| Pregnancy and maternity |
| Radiology |
| Renal services |
| Respiratory |
| Rheumatology |
| Sexual health |
| Smokefree |
| Social work |
| SORTED | Youth alcohol and other drugs service Bay of Plenty |
| Speech and language therapy |
| Toi Te Ora | Public Health |
| Vascular surgery |
Welcome to Whakatāne
Relocating to Whakatāne is not just about advancing your career—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that values balance, connection, and purpose.
Exceptional balance
Whakatāne offers a relaxed pace of life, with manageable patient loads and short commutes, allowing you to enjoy a fulfilling career while making time for family and personal pursuits.
Stunning natural environment
Nestled in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne is famous for its sun-soaked climate, pristine beaches, and proximity to natural attractions like Ohope Beach, White Island (Whakaari), and lush native bush trails.
Community-centred healthcare
Working in Whakatāne provides the opportunity to deliver care in a close-knit, appreciative community, creating meaningful connections and impactful patient outcomes.
Professional growth opportunities
The smaller healthcare setting fosters diverse responsibilities, allowing you to expand your skills and take on leadership, teaching, and innovative service development roles.
Cultural richness
Whakatāne is the heart of the Ngāti Awa iwi and offers unique opportunities to engage with te ao Māori, incorporating cultural practices and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) into your healthcare practice.
Affordable lifestyle
Compared to larger cities, Whakatāne offers affordable housing and lower living costs, enabling you to enjoy a higher quality of life without the financial pressures often associated with urban living.
Excellent schools & family-friendly community
With well-regarded schools and a safe, family-oriented environment, Whakatāne is an ideal place to raise children while contributing to a thriving healthcare system.
Gateway to adventure
From world-class fishing and diving to hiking and cycling, Whakatāne is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Spend your weekends exploring the coast, rivers, and surrounding countryside.
Collaborative healthcare teams
Whakatāne Hospital and the wider Bay of Plenty health network prioritise teamwork and offer a supportive environment, where your contributions are highly valued.
Proximity to major centres
While Whakatāne feels like a peaceful retreat, it’s only a short drive to Rotorua, Tauranga, and Hamilton, providing easy access to additional amenities, entertainment, and transport links.
Relocating to Whakatāne is not just about advancing your career—it’s about embracing a lifestyle that values balance, connection, and purpose.
Explore the Whakatāne area
Each of these places offers its own unique lifestyle, with Whakatāne remaining the central hub for work, shopping, and healthcare.
Whether you prefer a coastal retreat, a rural escape, or a small-town vibe, there’s something for everyone near Whakatāne.
Video credit: Whakatāne District Council - Photo credit: Tourism Bay of Plenty
Ōhope
Distance: ~10 min east of Whakatāne. Lifestyle: Ōhope, NZ’s “sunshine capital,” has a relaxed coastal vibe and a stunning beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, and unwinding. Amenities: Cafés, boutiques, fishing, hiking, and beaches.
Edgecumbe
Distance: ~15 min west of Whakatāne. Lifestyle: A quiet rural town with a close-knit community and affordable housing, offering a relaxed pace of life. Amenities: Local shops, schools, parks, and easy access to Whakatāne for more services.
Kawerau
Distance: ~30 min south of Whakatāne. Lifestyle: An affordable town at Mount Putauaki’s foot, known for its strong community and natural hot springs. Amenities: Basic shopping, schools, parks and recreational facilities,
Taneatua
Distance: ~10 min south of Whakatāne. Lifestyle: A small rural town with deep Māori roots, serving as a gateway to Te Urewera. Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Amenities: Limited, but Whakatāne is closeby.
Matatā
Distance: ~25 min northwest of Whakatāne. Lifestyle: A coastal town with a relaxed rural feel, scenic beaches, and wetlands. Ideal for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers. Amenities: Small local shops and a peaceful atmosphere.
Ōpōtiki
Distance: ~45 min east of Whakatāne. Lifestyle: A vibrant town with rural charm and coastal beauty, near the East Cape. Enjoy activities like cycling, kayaking, and hiking. Amenities: Schools, shops, cafés, and a strong community feel.
Location: Tauranga - Credit: Andy Belcher
Location: Whakatāne - Credit: Whakatāne Image Library
Location: Whakatāne - Credit: Whakatāne Image Library
Location: Mount Maunganui - Credit: BayofPlentyNZ
Location: Whakatāne - Credit: Whakatāne image library
Relocating to the Bay of Plenty
Prepare to explore the stunning Bay of Plenty! Here, moving isn't just about a new job; it's about living a tranquil and adventure-filled lifestyle.
Getting around
The Bay of Plenty offers a perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits from its beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle.
Getting around
Photo location: Waimarino Park - Credit: Andy Belcher
When you arrive
Your Bay of Plenty adventure begins now!
Driving in New Zealand
You're allowed to use your current driver's license in New Zealand for up to 12 months per visit. After that, you'll need to convert to a New Zealand license. Find out more about driving in New Zealand here.
Other ways to travel in the Bay of Plenty
- Tauranga Regional Council buses operate from the city centre to outer suburbs.
- Baybus operates in Whakatāne. Information on bus routes can be found here.
- You can pay for the bus using either cash or by Bee Card, which is a reloadable pre-pay transport card.
- Taxis, shuttles and ride sharing services like Ola, Zoomy, and Uber are also available as well as a variety of rental vehicle providers.
Housing options
There are plenty of options available throughout the region. Welcome to the vibrant community that is the Bay of Plenty! Your role as a healthcare professional is highly valued here.
Housing options
Photo location: Whakatāne - Credit: Tourism Bay of Plenty
When you arrive
You may consider booking short-term accommodation ahead of your arrival, then search for long-term accommodation when you arrive. The cost and availability of short-term accommodation varies widely through the year. It can be affected by tourism peak season, university start dates and school holidays, to name a few. Familiarise yourself with the city and view available long-term accommodation to ensure it suits your preference. Several considerations to make are proximity to the workplace available nearby schools for the kids, and the ideal size of the property. Some may also find that flatting would be a more suitable arrangement.
Short term accommodation
To ensure a seamless start to your new life, your employer may be able to provide temporary accommodation options dependent on your employment agreement as you settle into the Bay of Plenty. Please speak to your hiring manager regarding what we might be able to offer. You may consider booking temporary accommodation until you can find a longer-term rental.
Short term accommodation options
Rentals
Renting in the Bay of Plenty is a fantastic way to discover the diverse neighbourhoods and lifestyle options. Searching online is a good place to start, you can also check out local rental agencies to help you find a rental. Note that most rentals in Aotearoa are unfurnished however furniture and whiteware can be rented in some parts of the country.
Rental agencies
Buying or building a house
Dreaming of a place to call your own? We understand that moving to a new country is a major move, and buying or building a house there makes it even more significant. If you're a healthcare professional on NZ's Green List of roles, you have a unique opportunity to speed up your residency process. Normally, only residents and citizens can buy a home to live in in New Zealand. When you can, use this tool to find out if you can purchase a house in New Zealand.
Take the next step
Decided to move to New Zealand - Aotearoa?
Fill out our five-minute form with your details, and we'll match you to your preferred location based on your experience and preferences.
Photo location, from left: Moutohora Island; Hot Water Beach - Credits: Camilla Rutherford; Bay of Plenty Brand Library
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Interested in relocating to the Bay of Plenty? 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.