IS DELIVERING GREAT HEALTHCARE IN YOUR NATURE? COME AND WORK AMONGST OURS
Making a difference - it's what you do. But what about what you need?
Like space. More to do on your days off. Or less. Nature at your fingertips. A team you can count on. A warm welcome. We've got that covered.
If you work in healthcare, it's never been easier to start a new adventure - and we have a team to help you every step of the way.
Come on over to Aotearoa, New Zealand, and make a difference, somewhere different.
IT'S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO COME AND WORK IN HEALTHCARE IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
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Guidance on visa options for you and your immediate family |
A choice of relocation packages to help you with the move |
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Recruitment expertise to assess your career aspirations and match you with your preferred locations |
Settlement support when you arrive at your new home in New Zealand |
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
Looking to start your journey towards a new life in New Zealand? Don't do it alone!
Whether you're looking to get started, or already have your bags packed, our team can help answer any questions you have, no matter what stage you're at.
Use our form to leave your details and ask us a question, and our team will get back to you.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
If you've made the decision to move to Aotearoa New Zealand, register your details with us, and take advantage of our team who can help match you to your preferred location based on your experience and preferences.
Fill out our five-minute form with your details, and someone from our team will follow up and help you find a role.
FIND A JOB
If you see a role you like, contact our team with a link to the job listing, and we can work with you to get your paperwork in order, or you can apply directly.
YOUR IMMIGRATION JOURNEY
There are a number of steps to take before you starting your new adventure in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We've pulled together the most useful information we can in one place to ensure you're covered.
GETTING REGISTERED TO PRACTICE
Your profession may require New Zealand registration and an Annual Practicing Certificate. If so, this will be needed before you can start work and will also be required for your visa application.
In New Zealand some health professionals are also registered health practitioners under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA). Not all health professions are regulated under the Act although this does not imply that a profession lacks professional standards. Some are not regulated because they pose little risk of harm to the public; some are not regulated because they work under the supervision of a regulated profession; some are regulated in other ways. For example, they may be regulated through their employer or self-regulated by their profession.
Processing times for registration applications can vary so check the processing times directly with your registration board and plan ahead.
Links to New Zealand Registration Bodies
- Chiropractic Board
- Dental Council
- Dietitians Board
- Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand
- Medical Radiation Technologists Board
- Medical Council of New Zealand
- Midwifery Council
- Nursing Council of New Zealand
- Occupational Therapy Board
- Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board
- Osteopathic Council
- Paramedic Council
- Pharmacy Council
- Physiotherapy Board
- Podiatrists Board
- Psychologists Board
- Psychotherapists Board
Internationally qualified nurses may be required to complete a Competency Assessment Programme in order to gain their New Zealand registration. Find more information on the Pathway for health professionals to nursing jobs in New Zealand here.
FINDING WORK
We can help you find a role that suits you and your lifestyle - talk to us any time if you'd like assistance.
Otherwise, you can find a range of roles in Aotearoa New Zealand's health sector below:
- The Kiwi Health Jobs site has a large range of roles available for health workers.
- The Te Whatu Ora Careers site has listings for corporate positions within Te Whatu Ora.
OTHER JOB SITES
If your partners or children want to look for roles, the Careers.govt.nz Job Vacancy and Recruitment Websites page has an exhaustive list of job sites available.
For teachers:
Teachers from overseas looking to move to New Zealand, can now get help with the recruitment process by contacting the Ministry of Education’s new Navigator service.
The service is designed to support overseas teachers, along with principals and early learning centre managers, navigate the steps needed to be completed in the overseas teacher recruitment process.
Navigators are available Monday – Friday, 9am – 4.30pm by phone on 0800 165 225 or +64 4 463 8466 or via email at teacher.supply@education.govt.nz.
Find out more information about teaching in New Zealand by visiting the Teach in Aotearoa New Zealand website.
VISA PATHWAYS
All health professionals are in high demand and there are several visa pathways available. For an overview of visa pathways for health professionals and their families, visit the Immigration NZ website.
To find out if the role you want to work in is on the Green List, use Immigration NZ's Green List tool for more information.
To learn more about what other visa options are available to you, visit Immigration NZ's Visa Options page.
We also offer free immigration advice for health professionals with complex visa needs - feel free to talk to our team directly, and we can help.
AOTEAROA'S MĀORI CULTURE
Our health system is a partnership between Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand, who work to support all New Zealanders to live better and longer, and Te Aka Whai Ora | Māori Health Authority which is changing how the entire health system understands and responds to the health and wellbeing needs of our Māori population.
The two organisations are working together to ensure that Māori voices are heard in decision-making that affects Māori. This has not happened in the past and has meant that our Māori population has been disadvantaged for decades as a result.
When you join Te Whatu Ora’s health workforce you will be playing an important role in ensuring that our health system better serves the needs of all Aotearoa New Zealand’s people and communities.
To help you in this work, you will receive cultural competency training and complete learning modules on the subject as part of Te Whatu Ora’s orientation process.
Outside of work, Māori culture is celebrated in all aspects of life, from the use of te reo (the Māori language) as one of New Zealand’s official languages, to the celebration of Matariki – Māori New Year.
To understand more about Aotearoa New Zealand's Māori culture, we have some resources:
Learning te reo:
- Āke Āke app: App Store | Google Play Store
- Aki-Hauora app – te reo lessons for medical terms: App Store | Google Play Store
- Te Reo pronunciation guide and basic phrases
Addressing systemic racism in the health system:
Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and its history:
BEFORE YOU FLY
Before you fly
There’s a broad range of locations in Aotearoa New Zealand to call home. If you haven’t already, use our interactive map to find an area of the country you’d like to live in.
Once you’ve chosen a location, you may want to check out a list of schools, accommodation and transport options in your preferred locations.
We have some further information for you to help with the decision.
Cost of living
Immigration NZ has a cost of living calculator that can help you get an idea of what your income and expenses could be.
Shipping of belongings
We have strict rules about what can be brought into Aotearoa New Zealand. The government provides advice about how to avoid problems with border clearance.
Pets
Aotearoa New Zealand requires that all pets comply with the Ministry of Primary Industries standards. If you want to bring your pet with you on your trip, you must check the specific requirements relating to imports from your country of origin. Please also note that not all rental properties accept pets.
Insurance
Moving to a new country can be stressful and costly. You may wish to look into you insurance options to cover yourself for the unexpected.
Buying or renting a house
House ownership: Use the “Help us assess if you can buy a house to live in“ tool to determine if you can buy a house in Aotearoa New Zealand.
How to rent a house: The rental market in Aotearoa New Zealand is regulated by the government under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986. If you are renting for the first time you will need to sign an agreement with the landlord and pay a bond for up to four weeks rent in advance. The bond is lodged with the governments Tenancy Services. At the end of the tenancy, you will receive your bond back minus any damage's costs or unpaid rent. Aotearoa protects long term tenancies. Rules about changing the terms of the tenancy agreement are available on tenancy.govt.nz's changes to notice periods page.
Banking
You can open a bank account here before you travel but will need to visit a branch to activate it once you arrive – this can be done with through most major banks in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You need a visa that allows you to stay in the country for some time such as a work, residence, or student visa. You may wish to provide the bank with a reference letter from your current bank which incudes a credit score or rating. Te Whatu Ora can provide you with a letter of a confirmed work address to speed up the process.
To open a bank account you will need the following:
- An identify document – NZ ID or passport
- Proof of address – could be your current overseas address but will need to provide a permanent address in Aotearoa
- A NZ IRD (Internal Revenue Department) number – if you don’t have one yet, you can use your tax number or tax declaration
from your country of origin - Proof of your visa – could be work, residence, or student visa
Tax
All personal income is taxed. If you are a New Zealand tax resident, you will need to pay income tax on all income you receive from New Zealand and overseas. You can use a calculator to work out what tax you will pay in Aotearoa. You will need to have an IRD number before you can start.
Kiwisaver is a savings scheme, administered by the NZ government, to help people save for their retirement. Kiwisaver is currently only available to NZ residents, permanent residents or citizens, but if you are eligible, Te Whatu Ora will make deductions to the IRD who pass your contribution to the Kiwisaver provider.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
IRD Numbers
You can apply for an IRD number as soon as you arrive – this is similar to a Social Security, SIN, or National Insurance number. You can easily apply online through the IRD numbers for individuals page on the Inland Revenue website.
Getting connected to phone and internet plans
A variety of companies provide internet and phone connections. Immigration NZ provides advice about how to get connected once you arrive.
Getting a driver’s licence
If you are planning to drive in New Zealand, it’s important to get to know the New Zealand road rules. Driving on your overseas driver’s licence is usually acceptable for the first 12 months, but following this you will need to convert it to a New Zealand driver’s licence. You can find out more information on Waka Kotahi’s Driving in New Zealand page.
Libraries
There is a network of public libraries across Aotearoa. You and your family are welcome to visit in person, or download e-books and audio books online with your menbership.
Use of the English language
The English language lexicon has become highly advanced in Aotearoa New Zealand. We suggest becoming familiar with how certain words are used.
Public holidays
There are 11 public holidays each year.
Dental Care
General dental care for people over 18 years is not funded by the government in New Zealand. Basic dental care for eligible school children is free up to 18 years of age.
Dentists are distributed across Aotearoa.
Accident Compensation Corporation
Here in Aotearoa New Zealand we fund healthcare differently. The Accident Compensation Corporation provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for New Zealanders and visitors. ACC is funded by the government and the NZ public.
As a clinician, you can lodge claims on behalf of your patients. You must check with your manager about how to lodge a claim in Te Whatu Ora.
ACC provides general information about the scheme for clinicians. ACC provides a series of options for clinicians to learn more about the scheme, and claims. Online learning. Foundational webinars.
Cole’s Medical Practice in NZ gives practical advice to doctors in New Zealand (whether international or NZ medical graduates). The Goodfellow unit has resources about certifying work capacity after injury.
Emergencies
Ambulance and Fire: For emergencies, dial 111
Police: Dial 111 - For emergencies (if something is happening now or has just happened, or if you or someone’s safety is at risk). For non-urgent things that you think the NZ Police should know, dial 105.
Accident and Emergency services: All public hospitals have an emergency department. Accident and emergency centres (urgent care centres) are available for out of hours emergencies in most locations.
Coastguard: For emergencies, dial 111
National Crisis and National Emergency Management: The NZ government has established agencies to lead local teams to deal with disasters and other emergencies.
Support Services
Family support services: The Strengthening Families process connects a family who require assistance with more than one agency or community service when a family needs help. All families need help from time to time. Find support wherever you are living in Aotearoa. The health pages provide links to health services.
Domestic Violence Support: Domestic violence help can be accessed in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Counselling services: The NZ Association of Counsellors provides a list of qualified counsellors. Note that payment may be required. Child Abuse and Youth Services: You can report suspected abuse to Oranga Tamariki. Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children) is a government department. If you need help phone 0508 326 459 or email contact@ot.govt.nz. If you or someone else is in immediate danger call POLICE on 111. Kidshealth provides a list of various helplines for individuals and families.
Services for people with disabilities: An acceptable standard of health is required whether moving to Aotearoa temporarily or as a resident. There are a variety of providers of services for people with disabilities. Te Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People’s website contains useful links for people with disabilities.
Enrolling children at school
You can enrol your child in school before they’re 5, though they won’t start until they turn 5 and must have started by the time they are 6. Children must stay at school until they turn 16 years of age. Parents may apply to educate children at home.
If you have children, and have a school in mind, you may need to live within the school zone for them to be able to successfully enrol.
Childcare
Early childhood education (ECE) provides education and care for children before they are old enough to go to primary school. It is not compulsory. For three to four year olds, the first 20 hours per week are fully funded by the government. Most children in Aotearoa (95%) get some form of early childhood education, usually for 20-22 hours a week. The Ministry of Education provides practical information about education for parents and carers.
FIND YOUR NEW HOME
Aotearoa New Zealand has ranked second on the Global Peace Index for two years in a row, and has never been outside of the top five since the index launched in 2009.
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
Northland is New Zealand's northernmost region and the first one to be settled by Polynesians and Europeans. Northland and especially the Bay of Islands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, offering an abundance of ancient forests, historical sites and world class beaches - there are over 100 beaches in Whangarei District alone.
Waitematā
We are part of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, which has consistently been voted one of the best places to live in the world, and has been named as Condé Nast's top place to visit for 2023. Living in Auckland means unique lifestyle opportunities that come with being in a vibrant urban centre that also happens to have beaches and open spaces around every corner. The attitude among its inhabitants is all about lifestyle – the pace of life is one that is a more relaxed than the central city. An example of this is the beautiful Lake Pupuke which North Shore Hospital borders, a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed lunch break.
Te Toka Tumai | Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub, and has been named as Condé Nast's top place to visit for 2023. Because of its unique geographic position living here means you can enjoy the benefits of a large city with a wide variety of cafés, restaurants and bars, excellent theatres, galleries and museums and shopping and still be close to stunning natural landscapes, beautiful beaches and nature walks. Auckland is also the largest Polynesian city in the world and the most multi-cultural, with over 180 different ethnic groups. All of which adds up to one big, bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant place.
Counties Manukau
Counties Manukau Health is the largest of New Zealand’s District Health Boards by population and a significantly large employer in the Counties Manukau district, providing jobs for more than 8,000 people across the region. Being one of the biggest and busiest healthcare providers in New Zealand puts us in a good position to drive and be part of world-leading projects, clinical breakthroughs and healthcare innovations.
Counties Manukau is part of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, which has consistently been voted one of the best places to live in the world, and has been named as Condé Nast's top place to visit for 2023.
Hauora a Toi | Bay of Plenty
Situated on the sunny eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the Bay of Plenty really is just that, offering vast golden sand beaches, bush clad mountains, lush farmlands and more. Its pleasant climate means that the area has become a favourite for holidaymakers, retirees and people looking for a lifestyle outside the main cities. The people of the Bay of Plenty love sports and the outdoors. They make the most of the many recreational facilities on their doorstep - such as boating, surfing, fishing, diving, mountain biking and tramping, as well as the traditional team sports of rugby, netball and cricket.
Waikato
The Waikato region covers an area of about 25,000 square kilometres, neighbouring Auckland to the north and the Central Plateau to the south. It includes New Zealand’s longest river – the Waikato, plus internationally significant wetlands, and over 1000 kilometres of beautiful coastline its eastern and western sides. At the centre of Waikato is New Zealand’s fourth largest city – Hamilton. Great cafes and bars, shopping malls, river walks, an amazing museum, open spaces and its own lake. Hamilton prides itself as a centre of education with a wide range of public and private schools, the University of Waikato, Wintec tertiary institute of technology, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (a kaupapa Māori tertiary institute) and Waikato Hospital which is a large tertiary and teaching hospital.
Tairāwhiti | Gisborne
From sacred mountains to the shores of the vast Pacific Ocean, Tairāwhiti Gisborne is a stunning and unique corner of Aotearoa made for discovery.
Looking back to the arrival of great Polynesian voyagers, Tairāwhiti is a significant region steeped in New Zealand culture and history. As the first place in the world to see the sunrise each day, there’s plenty of time to explore unspoilt beaches and flourishing vineyards, connect with the welcoming people of this land and discover New Zealand in a whole new light. With a calendar of year-round entertainment and experiences to delight you, the land of the first light is a fun-filled destination that offers something for everyone.
Lakes
Lakes provides healthcare to a population of 112,000 people from its two general hospitals in Rotorua and Taupō, a top tourist area in New Zealand. In addition to the two urban centres with friendly, modern and progressive hospitals, the areas are known for their beautiful lakes, trout fishing, mountain biking, skiing and other outdoor activities. Family-friendly beaches are also only an hour’s drive away. Working within Te Whatu Ora Lakes is a great opportunity to balance an amazing lifestyle with a rewarding professional experience in a supportive work environment.
Taranaki
Taranaki is one of those magical places in the world where people come for a visit, and find they never want to leave. The wonderful natural environment with a majestic mountain at its heart, the rugged coastline world-renowned for its surf, great career opportunities, our love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's a fantastic place to work, live and play.
Te Matau a Māui | Hawke's Bay
The region is famous for it's warm temperate weather, gorgeous beaches, and thousands of acres of farmland, orchards and vineyards. Napier, built in a distinctive art deco style, adjoins Hastings, the region’s agricultural service hub. Hawke’s Bay is a large area with around 350km/217mi of coastline hugging the Pacific Ocean on the south-eastern side of the North Island. More than 81,000 people live in the Hastings District, and more than 62,000 in the ‘twin’ city of Napier about 18km / 11mi away. Sport and culture are well catered for with facilities including a recently remodeled Opera House, museums, art galleries and sports arenas. The region is also home to some of the country’s leading secondary schools. Scenic attractions include the world’s largest onshore gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, many excellent golf courses and the region's classic road cycle races.
Whanganui
Most residents consider Whanganui one of New Zealand’s prettiest, and most historically significant, provincial cities. It has a hold over the 65,000 people who call it home and the 16,000 district residents who consider it their centre. Located on the west coast of the North Island, Whanganui sits at the mouth of the 290km long Whanganui River - the country's third-longest river and the longest, navigable waterway in New Zealand. While Whanganui Māori view the river and its tributaries as the lifeblood of their people and their land, many non-Māori are also deeply moved by the river, its history and its spiritual significance to those born and raised along its banks. For skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, having the picture perfect, snow capped, volcanic Mt Ruapehu only two hours’ drive from the city is also priceless.
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley
Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley district operates five campuses – Wellington Regional Hospital in Newtown; Kenepuru Community Hospital and Ratonga-Rua-O-Porirua in Porirua; Hutt Valley District campus in Lower Hutt and the Kapiti Health Centre at Paraparaumu. Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, a cultural and cosmopolitan epicentre renowned for its vibrant cafés, restaurants, international sporting and cultural events set in a beautiful natural harbour. Porirua, Kapiti and Hutt Valley are areas north of Wellington.
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua | MidCentral
Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral stretches across the North Island of New Zealand from the west to the east coast and is distinguished by the Tararua and Ruahine ranges that traverse the centre of the district, there are 2,500 employees who carry out services to the population of 174,340 with the majority living in Palmerston North. Palmerston North is a major university city and is at the hub of key routes to the central North Island ski fields, and river adventures. The capital city Wellington is only a two-hour journey by road, as are the wine growing regions of Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa.
Wairarapa
The Wairarapa is a stunning region known for delicious wine and food, rugged coast, forest parks and cycle trails, just over the hill from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Discover some of NZ's best wine in Martinborough where you'll find some of NZ's best locally made by family-owned vineyards. Get on your bike - enjoy cycling between vineyards, stopping off for tastings and lunch along the way. Head for the coast - Castlepoint and Cape Palliser have unforgettable scenery, great swimming and walking tracks too. The Wairarapa is a perfect compact region to travel around in a motorhome, with plenty of stunning scenery, wine, food, and boutique shopping to discover, as well as great places with a wide range of accommodation to stay in.
Nelson Marlborough
Nelson Marlborough have a combined population of approximately 145,000 people. Nelson city is the geographical centre of New Zealand, and is renowned for its spectacular natural environment with three national parks within a 90 minute drive. It’s also an artistic capital, thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions. Picton is the gateway to the famous Marlborough Sounds region renowned for stunning scenic bays, fishing spots, boutique accommodation and water sports. Blenheim is the hub of the famous Marlborough wine district, the largest wine growing area in the country.
Te Tai o Poutini | West Coast
The West Coast region is a thin slice of paradise on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. It is bordered to the east by the peaks of the Southern Alps, and on the west by the rugged and remote beaches of the West Coast. It is an area of magnificent primeval vistas, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, rain forests, tussock grasslands, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and beaches. Our largest centres are Greymouth in the central West Coast, Westport in the North & Hokitika in the South, with the entire coast connected by highways that also run through the Southern Alps to Canterbury and beyond. There are also daily flights from Hokitika to Christchurch and Westport to Wellington, providing easy access to international connections. If you enjoy living within small rural communities or are wanting a change in lifestyle, then the West Coast is for you. We’re leading the way in rural health delivery in New Zealand and if you want to be a part of this journey, then this is the place to be.
Waitaha | Canterbury
With accessible hills and coastlines, parks and open spaces this is a region where you can live, swim, surf, ski, mountain bike and much more, all during the same season or even in the same day! Ōtautahi Christchurch, the second largest city in Aotearoa New Zealand and the largest city in Te Waipounamu, the South Island, has gone through a number of challenges which has provided us with the opportunity to reinvent our city and the community we live in. Featuring in the New York Times list of 100 cities to visit in 2020, Christchurch is a vibrant, energetic city where urban regeneration, creativity and innovation thrive. It is filled with amazing street art, innovative projects, a booming retail and hospitality scene and state-of-the-art architecture that is changing the way the city looks, feels and functions. Explore the beautiful surrounding mountains and valleys and then in minutes find yourself lazing on the beach. Ōtautahi has something for everyone, whether you’re a city slicker or a rural dweller Christchurch is easily accessible and in addition to all the local benefits, you have a direct link to any country around the globe, thanks to an international airport within the city bounds. So, if it’s the urban or rural lifestyle you prefer then it's time to explore the unrivalled work-life balance of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Read more
South Canterbury
From the magnificent Southern Alps to the gentle curve of the South Canterbury coastline, our district is simply breathtaking. 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, it's no wonder quality of life is a big drawcard for many of those moving to the area.
Southern
Welcome to what almost everyone would describe as New Zealand’s most beautiful region. Not only are we home to the snow-capped mountains, impressive glaciers, flowing rivers and mirror lakes that are the stuff of movies and postcards – we’ve also got the lifestyle and work to match. Our communities are welcoming and family-friendly, with great schools, an extremely affordable cost of living, and plenty to do on your time off – from skiing, water sports, world-class food and wine, and cities and towns full of culture and charm. We’ve got two large, modern hospitals in Dunedin and Invercargill, as well as a range of smaller rural hospitals – so there’s plenty of opportunity for you to grow your career. We can’t wait to welcome you with our Southern smiles!
HEAR FROM THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE MOVE
"THE OPPORTUNITIES WE'VE HAD IN OUR CAREERS HAVE SURPASSED OUR EXPECTATIONS"
Wendy, an ICU educator at Dunedin Hospital talks about her move from Liverpool in the UK to Dunedin, New Zealand and the positive effect it has had on her career and family.
"DON'T WAIT AROUND FOR IT, JUST DO IT!"
Sara is a midwife, and moved from the UK to Invercargill with her family - hear more about what life has been like for her, and what it's been like to work as a midwife in Aotearoa New Zealand.
"YOU CAN SKI AND SURF ON THE SAME DAY"
Brad is a Consultant Emergency Physician moved from Kansas, USA to Taranaki. Find out what made him fall in love with Aotearoa New Zealand.
HEAR FROM OUR CRITICAL CARE NURSES
TALK TO US
If you work in healthcare, and want to move to Aotearoa New Zealand, use our form to leave your details. No matter where you are, or what stage of the process you're at, our team can help you.