South Canterbury
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.
About the Region
The South Canterbury region is located in the central-eastern part of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. The region is bordered by the Canterbury region to the north, Otago region to the south, and the Southern Alps to the west.
The main city in South Canterbury is Timaru, which is situated on the coast and in close proximity to the mountains. The city's location provides a great work-life balance for residents. Additionally, Timaru boasts Caroline Bay, which is a popular attraction in the area.
Health New Zealand - South Canterbury
About Health New Zealand
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.
About the Health New Zealand - South Canterbury District
Health New Zealand – South Canterbury is among the most significant employers in the region, with approximately 1,000 individuals employed in various fields across the service.
South Canterbury is responsible for a wide range of health-related services, and a significant portion of their budget is allocated to primary health and disability support services. The remaining half of their budget is dedicated to funding secondary-level hospital services, including mental health, which are available at the Timaru Hospital & Community Services.
Photo location + credit: Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie
Timaru Hospital
Timaru Hospital is a secondary-level hospital which provides a range of medical services, including surgical, medical, obstetric, and pediatric care, and has 131 in-patient beds. The hospital also offers mental health services, including acute and community-based care.
The hospital is equipped with modern facilities and advanced medical equipment to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
In addition to its in-patient services, Timaru Hospital also provides outpatient services, such as specialist clinics, diagnostic services, and rehabilitation services. The hospital is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of South Canterbury and surrounding regions.
Kensington Centre
The Kensington Centre provides a wide range of primary healthcare services, including medical consultations, vaccinations, health checks, and screenings. It also offers a range of specialised services, such as diabetic clinics, mental health services, and chronic disease management programs.
In addition to its healthcare services, the Kensington Centre also has a range of other facilities, including a pharmacy, café, and a community meeting room. The center is committed to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the people of South Canterbury and surrounding regions.
South Canterbury Health Services
Services A to M
| Anaesthesia |
| Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation |
| Audiology (Hearing) |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) |
| Bowel Screening Programme |
| Cardiology |
| Child Development |
| Diabetes |
| Dietetics and Nutrition |
| District Nursing |
| Endoscopy |
| General Medicine |
| General Practice |
| General Surgery |
| Health of Older Persons |
| ICATT (integrated community assessment treatment team) |
| Immunisation |
| Laboratory |
| Maternity and Newborn |
| Medical Investigations Unit |
| Mental Health and Addictions |
Services N to Z
| Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) |
| Occupational Therapy |
| Oncology (Cancer Care) |
| Ophthalmology (Eyes) |
| Orthotics |
| Orthopaedics (Bones, Joints, Muscles) |
| Palliative Care |
| Pharmacy |
| Physiotherapy |
| Radiology |
| Cardio / Respiratory |
| Rheumatology |
| Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment |
| Sexual health |
| Smokefree - South Canterbury Stop Smoking Services |
| Stroke Services |
| Social Work Services |
| Speech Language Therapy |
| Well Child Tamariki Ora |
| Women's health (Gynaecology) |
Relocating to South Canterbury
Are you ready to embark on your journey in South Canterbury? We're here to help make your dream of living and working in this picturesque region a reality.
Getting around
Mountains, lakes and ocean are all within a short drive from work, we have a particularly outgoing team who enjoy nature and what our region has to offer.
Getting around
When you arrive
Rental car and airport pickup
Depending on your employment agreement, we may be able to arrange a rental car and airport pick up for you/you and your family when you arrive.
Driving in New Zealand
You can legally drive in NZ for up to 12 months per visit with your current driver's license. After 12 months, you will need to convert to a New Zealand license. Useful information about driving in NZ can be found here.
Other ways to travel in South Canterbury
- MyWay by Metro is the on-demand public transport service in Timaru. Available Monday to Friday 6.30am to 7pm. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 8am – 6pm.
- The Timaru airport is within 10 minutes' drive.
- Taxis and rideshare service Uber are also available in Timaru as well as several rental vehicle options.
- There are various cycle tracks for cycling enthusiasts in the Timaru District.
Housing options
South Canterbury provides a mix of stunning landscapes, a more balanced lifestyle and diverse housing options for those looking to make South Canterbury home.
Housing options
When you arrive
Short term accommodation
If a bond agreement has been offered to you as part of your employment, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora will provide you with financial support to relocate and get settled to the value outlined in the agreement. We may also be able to provide accommodation support based on your employment agreement. Be sure to check with your hiring manager.
Other short term accommodation options
Rentals
Renting is a great way to get to know the locality. Local rental agencies can help you to locate a property, and searching online is also a good place to start. 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 in a healthcare profession on New Zealand's "Green List" of roles, you're in a unique position to expedite your residency, bringing you closer to the dream of owning a home in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Normally, only residents and citizens can buy or build a house in Aotearoa. When you can, use the "buying or building a house assessment" tool.
Take the next step
Made the decision to move to Aotearoa New Zealand?
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 + credits, from left: Lake Tekapo (Miles Holden); Caroline Bay (South Canterbury NZ)
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Interested in relocating to South Canterbury? 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.