Mental Health and Addiction Careers
Join us in delivering world-class Mental Health and Addiction care across New Zealand
Our workforce is spread across a variety of specialities and in both Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora settings and Non-Government Organisation settings
Work in New Zealand's Mental Health and Addiction Sector
New Zealand offers a broad range of opportunities in a range of environments from fast-paced metropolitan centres to community-focused healthcare in urban, rural and remote settings.
We can make your move to New Zealand as easy as possible by providing practical advice and assistance with immigration and border requirements.
Some roles in New Zealand's Mental Health and Addiction sector are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you may be 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. You can check if your health experience and profession will support the criteria required for a visa by visiting Immigration New Zealand's Green List website, and seeing if your role is listed there.
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora aims to provide consistent, equitable, quality care to all New Zealanders when they need it. Who you are or where you live should not determine the range and quality of services you receive.
Most of our workforce receive a minimum of four weeks annual leave usually working a set 40 hours a week, with flexible employee conditions. This leaves plenty of time to balance work with fun and get out to enjoy all that New Zealand has to offer.
Photo location: Christchurch
New Zealand's Mental Health and Addiction Settings
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora
Health New Zealand roles are primarily based in inpatient settings, as well as with community mental health and addiction teams. You could also be providing specialist consultation and liaison services to a range of health services.
Non-Government Organisations
NGOs support our communities' health and well-being support with the delivery of primary mental health and addiction services or specialist-level services including child and young people, community crisis respite and residential care. They include peer/lived experience led, Māori, Pacific and other providers and will get you working closely in diverse cultural settings.
Join our teams
We’re looking for talented people with experience in their health profession to fill vacancies in a variety of mental health and addiction roles. Check out some of our most in-demand roles below and register your interest to work with us.
If you have skills and experience in mental health and addiction and your profession is not one of our most in demand roles, there could still be a job in Aotearoa New Zealand that’s right for you. We have a variety of mental health and addiction roles in our community health workforce.
Psychiatrists
Your skills are highly sought after in Aotearoa, New Zealand. With diverse case loads and flexible opportunities, you’ll wish you got here sooner.
Mental Health Nurses
Bring your passion for providing world-class care and make a difference in our communities as a part of our Mental Health & Addiction teams.
Psychologists
Your experience and knowledge as a Clinical Psychologist or specialisation in other areas in this field will be welcomed. Join us today!
Addiction Practitioners
Our addiction workforce is varied and driven by a passion to support people and their whānau (family) get help. Be part of making a difference.
Social Workers
Bring your empathy and passion to provide person-centred support for people and whānau (family). Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand!
Occupational Therapists
Your skills and drive to help people identify activities and occupations meaningful to their life are in demand here. Join us and make a difference!
Addiction Practitioners
Benefits and Salary Range
You’ll receive the standard entitlements given to workers in New Zealand:
- 10 days of sick leave per year
- 4 weeks of annual leave per year.
Salary will vary based on whether you work in a hospital or NGO setting.
Roles and responsibilities
Required qualifications and experience
Registration and visa requirements
To work as an Addictions Practitioner in our mental health and addiction sector, you must be eligible for Registration with the Addiction Practitioners’ Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ). Our team can help get you started with the registration process.
Addiction Practitioners are on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List, and can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa, where you can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer. Your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in your visa application.
Begin your career
Benefits and salary range
You’ll receive the standard entitlements given to workers in New Zealand:
- 10 days of sick leave per year
- 4 weeks of annual leave per year.
Salary will vary based on whether you work in a hospital or NGO setting.
Roles and responsibilities
Required qualifications and experience
Registration and visa requirements
Social Workers will need to gain registration with the Social Workers Registration Board to work in New Zealand.
Social Workers are on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List, and can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa, where you can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer. Your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in your visa application.
Begin your career
Benefits and salary range
For roles with Health New Zealand, you’ll receive the standard entitlements given to workers in New Zealand, including 10 days of sick leave per year, four weeks of paid leave – as well as additional benefits such as:
- Professional Development Plan
- Opportunities to attend conferences/study days
- Career & Salary Progression (CASP) Framework
- Automatic Annual Incremental increases and career progression steps
Roles and responsibilities
Required qualifications and experience
Registration and visa requirements
To work in New Zealand you’ll need to meet the registration requirements of the Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand (OTBNZ) and hold and annual practising certificate.
Occupational Therapists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List, and can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa, where you can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer. Your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in your visa application.
Begin your career
Explore Aotearoa
Across our incredible country, you can find everything from city living to cheeky wildlife, unique landmarks, and rich culture. From the winterless north to the stunning scenery of the south, there is a safe, friendly neighbourhood for everyone.
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.
Hear from our people
Listen to what our people say about working in mental health and addiction in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Manga Brothers
Listen to the Manga brothers discuss the different aspects they enjoy about working in the Mental Health and Addiction space.
Vanessa
Hear from Vanessa about how she supports her patients.
Sera
Hear Sera, a Community Mental Health Nurse, talk about why she loves what she does.
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.
