Psychologists
We’re looking for Psychologists to be a part of our vibrant, spirited teams, with space to expand your career in an environment that's both stimulating and nurturing.
Working as a Psychologist in New Zealand
The diversity of our population and clinical presentations means we're looking for Psychologists with a breadth of skills and experience.
You can expect to work closely with clients and their whānau (family) to provide assessment, intervention and evaluation of their health-related difficulties.
We are invested in developing our model of delivery towards increasing access to psychological therapies and are dedicated to providing optimal treatment to our diverse communities.
We support your ongoing progressional growth, with a dedicated Continual Professional Development (CPD) allowance and various internal training programmes. Our clinical teams are frequently comprised of practitioners from all walks of life, varying cultures, and diverse skill sets, fostering a dynamic and enriched work environment.
About the role
Salary range, benefits and leave allowances
Salary and remuneration:
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Base salary of NZD 85K to NZD 150K
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Higher duties, on-call, call-back and emergency call allowances
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In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full details of the Psychologists' collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here
Additional benefits:
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Reimbursement of Professional Registration costs
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Professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ
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Paid continuing professional development allowance based on years of experience
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Senior and consultant titles following a successful application
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A relocation package for international candidates
Leave Allowances
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4 weeks of paid annual leave
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10 days of paid sick leave per annum
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Paid parental leave
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12 paid public holidays per annum + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on
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Long-service leave
Registration requirements
Registration
To work as a Psychologist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB)
Find the current requirements for registration using the NZPB's Self-Assessment Tool.
Practising Certificate
To be able to practise in New Zealand, psychologists are required (by law) to hold a current practising certificate. You can apply for a practising certificate after the Board has approved your registration.
Your practising certificate must be renewed at the start of each financial year (1 April).
Skills and Experience
Beneficial skills for this role include:
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Effective oral and written communication.
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The ability to recognise and manage risk and distress tolerance in a clinical environment.
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The ability to provide innovative evidence-based treatments, and to work with an integrated model of care across community and inpatient settings. There is a special emphasis on culturally responsive and holistic clinical values.
Experience that is preferred, but not essential includes:
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Work with clients who have complex needs and the ability to demonstrate excellent assessment, formulation, treatment planning and therapy skills.
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Work with a multi-disciplinary team and a broader community network of primary care mental health services.
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Experience in roles within the areas of child and youth; perinatal; youth offending; early psychosis presentations; physical health; adults; disabilities; and the elderly.
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An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and implementing the principles. Both the NZPB and Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora have resources and structures to assist in the development of cultural responsiveness.
Scopes of practice
Scopes of Practice in New Zealand Include:
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Psychologist – general scope
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Child and Family Psychologist
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Clinical Psychologist
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Counselling Psychologist
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Educational Psychologist
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Intern Psychologist
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Neuropsychologist
Beginning your career
To become a Clinical Psychologist, you need:
- a master's degree or higher in Psychology
- a Post Graduate Diploma or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
- to complete of 1,500 supervised clinical hours, as approved by the New Zealand Psychologists Board
- registration with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
Settings to work as a Psychologist
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.
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.
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Photo location: Marlborough |
Explore Aotearoa
Whether you like the big city, the beach, the mountains, or all of the above - we have a broad range of places to call home.
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.
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Population: 65,000
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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
Webinar: Emigrating to New Zealand for Psychologists
Learn about the four steps to emigration for Psychologists from the New Zealand Psychologists Board, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand and Health New Zealand's Health Immigration Service.
Also hear from Karin - a Psychologist who moved from the USA - who talks the working culture, and how New Zealand better values her life outside of work compared to the US.
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, and 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.