In Tairāwhiti Gisborne, you don’t just work in health, you become part of the fabric of the community.
Serving a region shaped by a strong identity and family-centred values, health professionals here build deep connections and deliver care that truly matters. Life here is slower-paced, grounded, and full of heart, offering space to grow, contribute and feel at home.
Photo location: Makorori Beach - Credit: Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Tairāwhiti Gisborne offers the opportunity for you to make not just a career move, but a chance to reconnect with why you chose medicine. Here, you’ll find meaningful work in a region where your skills are valued and your impact is visible.
Outside of work, enjoy a more balanced lifestyle with short commutes, a welcoming community, and access to some of New Zealand’s most stunning natural surroundings.
The region offers the chance to rediscover the reason you chose medicine, where your work has a visible impact, and your contribution is deeply valued.
With shorter commutes, space to slow down, and time for what matters, the region lets you find clarity and focus in both work and life.
In Tairāwhiti Gisborne, you're not just part of a team, you're part of a region that welcomes you, supports you, and treats you like whānau (family)
With strong iwi relationships and a high Māori population, Tairāwhiti Gisborne champions culturally grounded care, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) values.
Set between beaches, rivers, and forested hills, the area offers a landscape that’s as restorative as it is inspiring, without the pressure of city life.
Photo location: Wharekahika Hicks Bay
Tairāwhiti Gisborne offers a unique opportunity for health professionals to make a meaningful impact in a region where connection, culture, and community shape the way care is delivered.
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora provides integrated, publicly funded health services across the district, anchored by Gisborne Hospital and supported by a close-knit network of rural and community providers.
Services span acute and elective care, mental health, maternity, community outreach, and surgical specialties, all delivered with a strong focus on equity, cultural safety, and family-centred practice.
Working in Tairāwhiti Gisborne is more than a clinical role; it’s a chance to practise with purpose in a region where relationships, equity, and cultural understanding are central to care.
With strong iwi partnerships and a deep commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), health professionals here work across diverse settings, from rural communities to urban clinics, supported by collaborative, close-knit teams.
You’ll be part of a workforce that values connection and contribution, with the added benefit of a lifestyle that allows you time, space, and balance beyond the hospital walls.
Whether you're based in New Zealand or moving here from overseas, the Gisborne region offers rewarding career opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.
We welcome both domestic and international applicants who are passionate about equitable, family-centred care.
As the main hospital for the region and a secondary-refferal hospital, it provides emergency and inpatient care, maternity services, surgery, outpatient clinics, and a range of community health services.
Positioned alongside Gisborne Hospital, this inpatient unit provides adult mental health and addiction services. It plays a key role in the district and works closely with community providers.
There is a network of rural health clinics in Ruatoria, Te Puia Springs and Tolaga Bay, providing local access to primary and some secondary care, with referrals made to Gisborne Hospital when needed.
While all applications are welcome, the most in-demand roles currently include:
With a more affordable cost of living and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, Tairāwhiti Gisborne offers the ideal setting for those seeking a balance between work and life.
Enjoy a strong sense of community, quality local schools, and easy access to beaches, rivers, and walking trails, all without the pressure of a major city.
Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the region is renowned for its natural beauty, sunny climate, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a place where you can slow down, reconnect with what matters, and thrive in both your career and your lifestyle.
Find out what makes Tairāwhiti Gisborne unique, and explore the region below.
The region enjoys long, warm summers and mild winters, making it ideal for outdoor living.
Beaches, rivers, and coastal tracks are all within easy reach of town. Whether you're into surfing, swimming, or weekend walks, the region supports an active lifestyle year-round.
The region is known for its strong sense of community and genuine connection. People are friendly, supportive, and proud of where they live.
It’s easy to settle in and feel part of local life, both professionally and personally.
Compared to larger centres, Tairāwhiti Gisborne offers more affordable housing and shorter commutes.
There’s a range of lifestyle options, from beachside homes to rural properties and family-friendly neighbourhoods. It’s a great place to find balance and room to grow.
Gisborne is the main service centre, offering healthcare, education, retail, and recreation in one convenient location.
Local clinics and services support rural towns like Tolaga Bay, Ruatoria, and Te Puia Springs.
Day-to-day essentials are easy to access across the district.
Life here moves at a steady, sustainable pace.
Health professionals here enjoy strong teamwork, variety in their roles, and more time for themselves. It’s a region where work and lifestyle can coexist without compromise.
Tairāwhiti Gisborne blends natural beauty with a vibrant local scene. Markets, festivals, and outdoor events happen year-round, especially in the summer months.
With nature and community close by, there’s always something to enjoy beyond work.
Population & Location: The largest centre in Tairāwhiti, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
Lifestyle & Community: Coastal city with a relaxed pace, sunny climate, and friendly local atmosphere.
Education & Services: Offers a wide range of schooling, healthcare, and essential services.
Recreation & Environment: Known for surf beaches, rivers, cycle trails, and surrounding vineyards.
Access & Transport: Regional airport and highway links to Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay.
Population & Location: Small rural town located around 2.5 hours north of Gisborne.
Lifestyle & Community: Quiet and close-knit community offering a slower pace and strong local identity.
Education & Services: Includes local schools, a library, and community health services.
Recreation & Environment: Surrounded by rugged landscapes, rivers, and scenic backcountry.
Access & Transport: Accessed by SH35; remote but connected to Gisborne and surrounding settlements.
Population & Location: Coastal town around 45 minutes north of Gisborne.
Lifestyle & Community: Known for its relaxed seaside feel and active local community.
Education & Services: Home to Uawa School and local medical services, including a general practice.
Recreation & Environment: Features the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf, sandy beaches, and walking tracks.
Access & Transport: Easily accessible by road; close enough for regular travel to and from Gisborne.
Population & Location: Small township about 2 hours northeast of Gisborne along SH35.
Lifestyle & Community: Rural, peaceful living with essential services nearby.
Education & Services: Primary schooling in the area and home to Te Puia Springs Hospital, offering local inpatient, aged care, and general medical services.
Recreation & Environment: Known for its natural hot springs and access to the scenic East Coast.
Access & Transport: Connected by SH35 with limited transport services, primarily accessed by private vehicle.
Breast Services Clinic
Cancer (Oncology) Service
Cardiology Service
Colposcopy Service
Gynaecology Service
General Medicine Service
Laboratory Services
Orthotics Service
Outpatients Service
Palliative Care Service
Pharmacy Services
Renal Service
Respiratory Service
Sleep Apnoea Service
Sterile Sciences
Weight Loss Surgery Service (Bariatric)
B4 School Check Service
Children’s Ward (Planet Sunshine)
Immunisation Service
National Immunisation Register (NIR)
Vision and Hearing Screening
Acute Inpatient Mental Health Service – Te Whare Awhiora
Community Mental Health and Addiction Service – Te Whare Oranga
Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS) – Te Whare o te Rito
Audiology Service
Bowel Screening Programme
Cervical Screening Programme
Continence and Ostomy Service
Diabetes Eye Check Service (Retinal Screening)
Diabetes Service
District Nursing Service
Ear Clinic – Mobile
Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC)
Nutrition and Dietetics Service
Oral Health Service
Ostomy and Continence Service
Community Physiotherapy Service
Sexual and Reproductive Health Service – Community Clinic
Speech Language Therapy Service
Transport Office
Vaccination Service
Vaping Support Service
Before starting work, international candidates must be registered with the appropriate New Zealand authority (e.g. MCNZ, NCNZ, OTBNZ). Health NZ provides support throughout the registration process.
From arrival logistics to finding accommodation, setting up bank accounts, and getting oriented, support is available to help candidates settle confidently into life and work in New Zealand. This includes practical guidance to make your move as smooth as possible, from day one.
Health New Zealand helps you and your whānau (family) adjust to life in New Zealand. This includes school enrolments, access to healthcare, local services, and community connections. Ongoing support ensures you feel confident, connected and supported both professionally and personally.
