Midwifery
Are you a qualified midwife? Work under a new level of care and join our team of Midwives in Aotearoa! New Zealand’s unique midwifery model of care is well-regarded and world-renowned.
Work as a Midwife in New Zealand
One of the best things about living and working in New Zealand is the opportunities to experience nature, outdoor adventure and vibrant cities so close to where you live and work.
New Zealand's maternity system is well-regarded internationally for its outcomes providing care to a local and national population, there are approximately 3,300 practising midwives across New Zealand working in both hospitals and the community and there are around 59-60,000 births annually.
Midwives are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are 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, like us!
Photo location: Nelson - Credit: Miles Holden
Salary, allowances & leave
Salary:
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Registered Midwives have a 7-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $59K - NZ $108K
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Community Midwives have an 8-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $59K - NZ $115K
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Senior Designated Midwives have a 7-step progression salary scale
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Salaries range between NZ $85K - NZ $162K
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Overtime, Penal rates and call-backs
Allowances:
- Higher duties and on-call allowances
Leave:
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4 weeks of paid annual leave (increases to 5 weeks after 5 years of service)
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shift employees are entitled to up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave on completion of 12 months of employment on shift work
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A minimum of 10 days of paid sick leave per annum
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6-12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service
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up to 14 weeks of paid parental leave
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12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on
Midwives Collective Agreement:
- In New Zealand, the salary and other benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Midwives collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand website.
Required qualifications & experience
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| Work environment |
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| Other helpful links |
| Begin your career |
| If you would like more information about training, or a career as a midwife, please visit: careers.govt.nz |
Internationally qualified candidates
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If you have qualified as a midwife in any country other than New Zealand, you must satisfy the Midwifery Council in three broad areas before you can be registered:
For more information, check out Becoming Registered: Internationally Qualified Midwives. |
Return to Practice as a Midwife in New Zealand
A new workforce initiative was announced in February 2024 to support Midwives to Return to Practice in New Zealand.
We have midwife opportunities available across multiple locations in New Zealand
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Photo location: Christchurch - Credit: Julian Apse |
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.
Northern Region
Te Manawa Taki
Central Region
Te Waipounamu Region
Our Application Process
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.