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Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Obstetrics and Gynaecology in New Zealand plays a critical role in women's health, with a healthcare system designed to provide comprehensive maternity care and gynaecological services.

Photo location: Golden Bay, Tasman - Credit: Miles Holden

New Zealand's maternity care system provides various services through midwives, general practitioners, and Obstetricians. Low-risk pregnancies are usually managed by midwives, while obstetricians handle high-risk pregnancies or complications. Maternity care is largely government-funded and emphasises natural, patient-centred birth experiences.

Gynaecological Oncology service:

Health New Zealand provides a comprehensive Gynaecological Oncology service, supporting women across the country with specialised care for gynaecological cancers.

Midwife-led care system:

New Zealand has a strong Midwife-led maternity care model, where Midwives often serve as the lead maternity caregivers, especially in low-risk pregnancies. Expectant mothers have the option to choose their lead maternity caregiver, which can be a Midwife, a general practitioner, or an Obstetrician depending on their health needs and pregnancy risk level.

This system supports natural and patient-centred birth experiences, with a focus on home births, birth centres, and hospital births. Midwives are often the primary point of care unless complications arise, at which point Obstetricians become involved.

Publicly funded maternity care:

New Zealand offers free maternity care for residents and citizens, funded by the government. This includes prenatal visits, birthing care, and postnatal visits up to six weeks after delivery. Obstetricians generally handle high-risk pregnancies or surgical interventions, while Midwives manage most routine deliveries.

Emphasis on cultural sensitivity and equity:

The healthcare system in New Zealand, including O&G services, places a strong emphasis on ensuring equitable access for its Māori and Pacific populations. This includes efforts to improve maternal and gynaecological health outcomes in these communities, which historically have been disadvantaged.

There is a growing integration of Māori health practices and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) into obstetric and gynaecological care, emphasising culturally appropriate care and addressing disparities in health outcomes.

Maternity care in rural areas:

Like other medical specialties, O&G services face challenges in rural and remote areas of New Zealand. Working in rural New Zealand provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the community providing specialist care to a diverse population while providing your family with a wonderful lifestyle.
Telehealth is increasingly being utilised to bridge the gap for remote communities, enabling better access to Obstetric and Gynaecological consultations.

Focus on natural birth and minimal intervention:

The New Zealand maternity system promotes a low-intervention approach to childbirth when it is safe to do so. This includes encouraging natural birthing processes, reducing unnecessary caesarean sections, and supporting women who choose to have home births or births in primary birthing units.
New Zealand’s approach contrasts with other systems where Obstetricians may be more directly involved in a broader range of deliveries, even for low-risk cases.

Advanced training and specialisation:

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in New Zealand undergo rigorous training under the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). There are ongoing efforts to ensure that training includes a deep understanding of the unique needs of New Zealand's diverse population, including the Māori and Pasifika communities.

About the role

Salary, allowances & leave

Salary:

Obstetricians & Gynaecologists receive a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.

In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Senior Medical Officers collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.

Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service and are often not specified in the collective agreement.

Allowances:

There are a range of additional allowances for:

on-call,
evening, night and weekend work,
call back,
job size,
recruitment and retention,
and special contribution.

Leave:

6 weeks of paid annual leave.
A minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year.
10 days of paid Continuing Medical Education Leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel.
6-12 months of parental leave depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on.
Long service leave + sabbatical opportunities.

Benefits & development opportunities

Additional benefits include:

An annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees).
Reimbursement of your registration and practising certificate fees.
Your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ.
If eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

A relocation package for international candidates.

Leadership and career development opportunities:

Health New Zealand encourages Senior Medical Officers to be involved in the design, implementation and performance of facilities and technology involved in the delivery of healthcare services to ensure an effective, efficient and safe workplace.

Specific opportunities vary by location and service, however, can include:

Support and encouragement for research and publications.
Mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars.
Regional and National networks allow for subspeciality research and practice.
Ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes.

Roles & responsibilities

Below is an overview of their key roles and responsibilities:

Obstetric care:

Antenatal care: Monitoring and managing the health of pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. This includes regular check-ups, diagnosing any complications, and providing medical advice regarding fetal development, maternal nutrition, and exercise.
Labour and delivery: Overseeing and managing the childbirth process, including both natural and assisted deliveries. This may involve:
- Performing caesarean sections if medically necessary.
- Using techniques like forceps or vacuum extraction during difficult deliveries.
- Managing complications such as breech births, pre-eclampsia, or premature labour.
Postnatal care: Ensuring the health of both mother and baby after delivery. This includes monitoring recovery from childbirth and addressing any postpartum complications.

Gynaecological care:

Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynaecological Conditions: Managing conditions related to the female reproductive system, such as:
- Menstrual disorders (e.g., heavy bleeding, pain).
- Endometriosis.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Uterine fibroids.
- Pelvic organ prolapse.
Surgical interventions: Performing surgical procedures such as hysterectomies, laparoscopy, and myomectomies. Specialists may also manage more complex surgeries like repairing pelvic floor damage after childbirth.
Fertility treatments: Diagnosing and managing infertility issues, including performing procedures such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Family planning and contraceptive services:

Advising patients on family planning options and providing contraception solutions such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, and oral contraceptives.
Offering counselling and performing sterilisation procedures like tubal ligation.

Cancer screening and treatment:

Screening for and diagnosing gynaecological cancers such as cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer. This includes performing pap smears, colposcopies, and biopsies.
Managing cancer treatment plans, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or referrals to oncologists for advanced care.

Emergency care:

Managing Obstetric emergencies: Handling life-threatening conditions like severe haemorrhaging, ectopic pregnancies, or placental abruption. Immediate decision-making is often required in these scenarios to save both the mother and the child.
Urgent Gynaecological care: Responding to urgent cases such as ovarian torsion or ruptured cysts that may require immediate surgical intervention.

Education and advocacy:

Patient education: Educating women on sexual and reproductive health, prenatal care, and general well-being. Specialists play an important role in providing information on issues such as menopause, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and healthy pregnancy.
Mentorship and training: In teaching hospitals, O&G specialists often train junior doctors, registrars, and medical students. They may also be involved in developing healthcare policies and programs focused on women's health.

Cultural competency and care for Māori and Pacific populations:

Providing culturally appropriate care that acknowledges and integrates Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and the unique health needs of Māori and Pacific women.
Ensuring healthcare practices respect Māori traditions and values, particularly in maternity care.

Administrative duties:

Record keeping: Maintaining accurate and detailed medical records, including patient histories, treatment plans, and surgical reports.
Collaboration: Working closely with other healthcare professionals such as Midwives, Nurses, Paediatricians, and Anaesthetists to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
Compliance: Adhering to the guidelines, protocols, and ethical standards set by the Medical Council of New Zealand and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

Skills, experience, knowledge & qualifications

Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in New Zealand must meet rigorous educational, clinical, and professional standards, ensuring they are highly skilled and culturally competent. This is critical for delivering high-quality care in the country’s diverse healthcare system.

Medical professionals training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in New Zealand typically undergo six years of medical school, followed by a comprehensive training program under the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). This involves advanced clinical experience and specialisation.

Skills:

Clinical Skills: Expertise in diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. This includes performing surgeries like caesarean sections, hysterectomies, and other gynaecological procedures.
Communication: Strong communication skills are critical for explaining diagnoses, procedures, and care plans to patients. This also includes counselling patients through sensitive health matters.
Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively with midwives, nurses, paediatricians, anaesthetists, and other specialists in multidisciplinary teams.
Problem-solving: Obstetricians and gynaecologists must be able to think critically and act decisively, especially in high-pressure situations like complicated pregnancies or childbirth emergencies.
Cultural competency: Understanding of and respect for New Zealand’s diverse cultural landscape, including the ability to provide care that aligns with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is culturally appropriate for Māori and Pacific populations.

Experience:

Postgraduate training: After completing medical school, O&G specialists must undergo specialist training, which takes about 6 years in New Zealand. This involves clinical rotations in obstetrics, gynaecology, and related subspecialties.
Specialty registration: Specialists need to be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) under the vocational scope of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
International experience: International specialists must have completed training and be eligible for registration through recognised qualifications and sufficient clinical experience. Comparable training from countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada is often considered acceptable.

Knowledge:

Medical knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of female reproductive anatomy, fetal development, maternal health, fertility treatments, prenatal care, and surgical techniques specific to obstetrics and gynaecology.
Knowledge of guidelines: Familiarity with New Zealand's healthcare guidelines, protocols, and ethical standards for maternal and reproductive healthcare.
Epidemiology and population health: Knowledge of population-specific health challenges, particularly around maternal health for Māori and Pacific women, ensuring that care plans consider socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors.

Qualifications:

Medical Degree (MBChB or equivalent): Completion of a basic medical degree from a recognized institution.
Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG): This is the main qualification to practice as an O&G specialist in New Zealand. The training includes clinical practice, exams, and assessments, which culminate in a Fellowship (FRANZCOG).
Registration with the MCNZ: Specialists must hold vocational registration in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), demonstrating they have met New Zealand’s medical standards.
Ongoing professional development: O&G specialists are required to engage in continuous education to keep up with medical advancements and maintain their registration.

Additional attributes:

Empathy and compassion: The nature of the specialty, which often involves sensitive issues such as fertility, pregnancy loss, and childbirth complications, requires a compassionate and empathetic approach.
Physical dexterity: Performing surgeries and delivering babies demands high levels of hand-eye coordination and physical stamina.
Adaptability: Given the unpredictability of childbirth and emergency situations, adaptability is essential.

Information for international candidates

International specialists must have qualifications and experience that are comparable to those required in New Zealand. If they come from a recognised country like Australia, USA, UK/Ireland, or Canada, they may follow the pathway for vocational registration in O&G with the MCNZ.

Find out more about life in New Zealand

We have a page dedicated to providing information to candidates about our recruitment process, what you need to work in New Zealand and key details about moving here.

Visit our Candidate Information page

Our application process

Step 1: Submit

Complete the registration form as your expression of interest in an O&G role

Step 2: Review

Our Candidate Management Team will review your application and check your suitability

Step 3: Contact

You will be contacted by our Candidate Management Team to discuss career and location options

Step 4: Referral

We will refer you to a Recruitment Team in your preferred location(s) for further assessment

Step 5: Progress

Your chosen Recruitment Team(s) will be in touch with you to continue the recruitment process

Gynaecological Oncologists

Join us in transforming women's health:

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora provides a comprehensive Gynaecological Oncology service, supporting women across the country with specialised care for gynaecological cancers.

We are dedicated to improving outcomes in women’s health through innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care. Together, we strive to provide the highest standard of Gynaecological Oncology services to all women in New Zealand.

About the service:

A dedicated team of Gynaecological Oncologists, specialised nurses, radiologists, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists and other professionals work collaboratively to provide tailored treatment plans.

Our service is grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring equitable, patient-centred, and culturally appropriate healthcare for all, with a focus on meeting the unique needs of Māori and Pacific women.

How our teams work:

Our teams, in collaboration with other consultants, cover both routine and emergency Gynaecological Oncology services. The team provide a consultation and advisory service to medical colleagues in other specialties.

They provide a preinvasive service and also collegial support within the department. Multidisciplinary case review meetings are held to develop individualised treatment plans.

Locations:

The Gynaecological Oncology service is provided at two surgical cancer centres: Auckland and Christchurch serving as hubs for tertiary-level Gynaecological Oncology care in collaboration with the regional units.

The Auckland service operates primarily through National Women’s Health at Auckland City Hospital, and Christchurch through Christchurch Women’s Hospital.