Pharmacy
Passionate about delivering exceptional patient care?
Then bring your Pharmacy career to Aotearoa, New Zealand and Make a Difference Somewhere Different.
Work as a Pharmacist in New Zealand
In Aotearoa, New Zealand, Pharmacists work in a variety of roles as part of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team, alongside doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Pharmacists use their expert knowledge to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines for our patients. You will be working to achieve the best possible health outcomes while having the opportunity to develop your career with ongoing development and education.
Pharmacists 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 + credit: Rotorua, Lakes District - Legend Photography
About the role
As well as potentially working in a pharmacy dispensary, you will find pharmacists working in many different clinical settings, such as inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and departments such as emergency, as well as undertaking the role of a prescribing pharmacist. Some hospitals in Aotearoa, New Zealand have specialised pharmacists working in aseptic compounding and or oncology/haematology units.
Benefits and salary range
- In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.
- The Pharmacists collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website.
- Career progression opportunities include advanced clinical practice, prescribing qualifications, quality and research roles, medication safety, clinical informatics, education and training, leadership and mentoring
- Support for postgraduate study may be available
- Most of our workforce receive a minimum of four (4) weeks annual leave usually working a set 40 hours a week. Additional leave is provided after five (5) years and for employees who participate in on-call duties
- Additional payments for those undertaking on-call
- Minimum of 10 days sick leave per annum.
Required qualifications and experience
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To work in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will require an appropriate registration
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To become a Pharmacist, you need to:
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Roles and responsibilities
- Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and be committed to implementing the principles within professional practice
- Provision of a clinical pharmacy service which may include medicine chart reviews, medication reconciliation, consultant-led ward rounds, multidisciplinary team meetings, therapeutic drug monitoring and answering medicines information enquiries
- Involvement in interdisciplinary education
- Preparing and dispensing medicines
- Supervision, training and support of technicians, intern pharmacists and students
- Participation in an on-call service
- Some hospitals have additional roles for pharmacists, such as Medication Safety, Informatics, Electronic Medicines Management, Cold Chain and clinical trials oversight.
Training and development
- National career framework, learn more here.
- Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters in Pharmacy study options are offered at the University of Auckland and the University of Otago
- Pharmacist Prescriber: A postgraduate qualification is required to become a Pharmacist Prescriber. The two currently accredited programmes are: Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy in Prescribing offered by the University of Auckland, and Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing offered by the University of Otago. On completion of the required qualification, you are eligible to apply for registration in the Pharmacist Prescriber scope of practice. Learn more here.
- New Zealand Hospital Pharmacy Association provide a number of education events across the year.
Paths to Registration
There are several routes to registration in order to practise as a Pharmacist in Aotearoa New Zealand. Find out below which route is suitable for you. For more information on these pathway registration routes, visit the Pharmacy Council of NZ.
Australian registered Pharmacists
Pharmacists who are currently registered in Australia can register via the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement route.
UK, Canada, Ireland and USA Registered
Pharmacists who are currently registered in Canada, Ireland, the UK or USA can register via the Recognised Equivalent Qualification Route.
Pharmacists registered in other countries
Pharmacists registered to practice in other countries can register via the Non-Recognised Equivalent Qualification Route.
New Zealand Based Pharmacists
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Photo location + credit: Rotorua, Lakes District - Miles Holden |
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
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
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
Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause and 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
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
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
How Kiwi Health Jobs works for you
When you apply, you will be redirected to Kiwi Health Jobs, our centralised recruitment portal. 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: Nelson Grapevines - Dean McKenzie
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.