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Midwife

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. 

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Midwives make a difference
Abel Tasman 1 Midwifery Hero Banner

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! 

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Photo location + credit: Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson - Miles Holden

Benefits and salary range

  • In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.
  • The Midwives collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand website.
  • Our workforce receives four to five weeks of annual leave depending on years of service and both full time and part time contracts are available.
  • Other benefits include employer contributions to superannuation and additional leave earned if working some shifts.
Training & development
  • We offer a flexible working environment, support and promote continuing and ongoing education opportunities to support your professional development throughout your career with us.

Required qualifications & experience

  • To work in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will require registration as a midwife and an annual practising certificate, both of which are issued by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand. Information regarding registration requirements for overseas residents is available from the Midwifery Council of New Zealand.
  • Employing hospitals have relocation packages you can discuss with the Health New Zealand recruitment team.
Work environment
  • If you have the knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience to assess and care for those who are pregnant, in labour and postnatal and their babies until 6 weeks after birth. We have a range of options from working in community maternity units or secondary or tertiary level hospitals, to working in the various community settings around Aotearoa New Zealand. 
  • We have positions available in all contexts and in almost every region across the motu and have opportunities in almost every in-hospital practice environment, antenatal, postnatal, labour and birth or rotating positions across those areas.
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

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:

  • Registration Outside of New Zealand
  • Qualifications and Competence 
  • Fitness for Registration

For more information, check out Becoming Registered: Internationally Qualified Midwives.

Midwife with new mum - Southern District | Source: internal photoshoot Midwife with pregnant patient smiling (stock image)

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 + credit: Port Hills, Christchurch - 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

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!

Waitemata

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

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

Counties Manukau

Population: 500,000
Health New Zealand - Counties Manukau serves as a major source of employment within the Counties Manukau area, with over 8,000 individuals being employed across the region.

Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty

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

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.

Tairawhiti

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

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

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 Mataua Maui HawkesBay

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.

Explore Hawke's Bay

Whanganui

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

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.

Explore Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua Mid Central

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

Wairarapa

Population: 48,000
Located in Masterton in the Wellington Region, Health New Zealand - Wairarapa is one of the smaller hospitals in the country with 89 inpatient beds providing comprehensive health services throughout the Wairarapa District.

Nelson Marlborough

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

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

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

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

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. 

Our application process

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Step 1: Application

Complete & submit your application form for review

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Step 2: Review

Your application is reviewed by Kiwi Health Jobs

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Step 3: Referral

Your profile is referred to your chosen District & employers

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Step 4: Contact

You will be contacted by District recruitment teams

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Step 5: Handover

Your application moves through employers' hiring processes

Rotorua Swing Seat - Miles Holden

How Kiwi Health Jobs works for you

You will be redirected to Kiwi Health Jobs, our centralised recruitment portal when you apply. The Kiwi Health Jobs team are here to simplify the recruitment process by providing guidance, answering queries and connecting you to the right people in the Districts where you are most interested in working.

Kiwi Health Jobs also advertises a wide range of vacancies across the Health Sector, including vacancies at public, not-for-profit and private employers.

Photo location + credit: Rotorua, Lakes District - Miles Holden

Location match City Skyline

Connecting you to locations across NZ that match your lifestyle

Relocate airplane

A choice of relocation packages to help you with the move

Career Aspiration Arrows

Recruitment expertise to assess your career aspirations

Kaitiaki People

Our Candidate Kaitiaki (guides) ensure the best outcomes for you

Settlement Hands

Settlement support when you arrive at your new home in New Zealand

Webinar: Emigrating to New Zealand for Health Professionals

This is a recorded session of the webinar. 

Learn about the four steps to emigration for Midwives from the New Zealand's Midwifery Council, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand, Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora's Health Immigration Service.

Listen to Sara, a Clinical Midwife Manager who relocated from the UK, as she discusses her reasons for settling in New Zealand.

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.