Work in New Zealand

The New Zealand healthcare system was one of the role models for the National Health Service in the United Kingdom and there are still many similarities in its structure today. The working practices combined with high living standards, way of life, and stunning surroundings have been attracting doctors for decades.

In the last workforce survey by the Medical Council of New Zealand in 2003, 34% of the fully registered doctors and 40% of all doctors working in New Zealand were overseas graduates. In some specialties, they account for more than half of the workforce. UK and Irish doctors head the list.

New Zealand can attest to a superlative action and adventure sports activities culture. The countries landscape affords an amazing backdrop for the many adrenaline-pumping activities such as mountain climbing, skiing, bungee jumping, white water rafting and caving. There are also an abundance of more relaxing activities on offer for those who want to sit back and enjoy the remarkable scenery.

Hundreds of doctors from across the world migrate every year to New Zealand to experience the lifestyle that is unique. Why not let Direct Medics help you join them?

Health System

Overseas trained doctors (OTDs) have long been attracted to New Zealand for the appealing lifestyle and the varied and interesting clinical work available in both lively urban hospitals and rural practices.

New Zealand public hospitals offer a diverse clinical experience and good teaching facilities. Private health services have limited access in specialties but are a fantastic way of discovering remote and beautiful regions of New Zealand and compliment where you work with your lifestyle interests.

OTDs, particularly those whose core training is similar to the New Zealand system assimilate quickly into the healthcare system.

Whether you're interested in a rural or urban lifestyle, opportunities exist in a variety of health facilities and doctors of all types and levels are sought after and Direct Medics will find the right position for you and guide you in your application to work as a doctor in New Zealand.

Lifestyle

The New Zealand lifestyle is one of the greatest appeals for migrants. A relaxed living lifestyle combined with a low cost of living makes it an attractive prospect.

New Zealanders participate in a full range of sporting activities, most notably rugby, and with the majority of the country living less than a half hour drive into the unspoilt wilderness, many New Zealanders spend their weekends and holidays in the outdoors.

New Zealand also has a thriving cultural life, with a unique blend of European, Maori, Polynesian and other traditions. There many festivals and events held annually across the country for music, wine and food and there is always something on every month of the year.

There are endless possibilities for the more adventurous and also those looking for rest and relaxation.

Whatever your zeal, New Zealand has something for you.

Standard of Living

In December 2009, New Zealand had an unemployment rate of 7.3% mainly as a result of the global financial crisis. However, it is the 12th lowest of the 30 OECD nations, well below the OECD average of 8.6%. Significantly, the New Zealand economy has now stabilised and recovery is underway with GDP growth forecast at around 2.8% over the next year.

Salaries in New Zealand are set by the Government and so doctors are paid the same salaries for a particular job throughout all of the country. The following table illustrates an approximate salary based on seniority.

The Quality of Living Survey 2009 from Mercer Human Resource Consulting placed Auckland and Wellington among the top 12 cities in the world in which to live, ranking them ahead of London, Berlin, Tokyo and New York.

New Zealand is cited as the ideal destination thanks to a widespread availability of goods and services, low personal risk and an effective infrastructure.

The Environment

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (commonly called the North Island and the South Island), and numerous smaller islands.

The country is notable for its geographic isolation. It is situated about 2,000 km southeast of Australia across the Tasman Sea and its closest neighbours are to the north including New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga. New Zealand has approximately 15,134 km of coastline.

Conditions vary sharply across regions from extremely wet on the West Coast of the South Island to semi-arid in the Mackenzie Basin of inland Canterbury and subtropical in Northland. The climate throughout the country is mild and temperate, mainly maritime, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing or rising above 30C in populated areas.

The People

New Zealand is a vibrant multicultural society with a national identity that reflects the large numbers of immigrants that have settled in the country over the years. New Zealanders have embraced immigrants and the great mix of cultures has greatly contributed to the New Zealand way of life, that of a friendly, co-operative society.

New Zealand has one of the highest populations of foreign born citizens. In 2005, almost 20% of New Zealanders were born overseas, one of the highest percentages of any country in the world.

English and Māori are the official languages of New Zealand although 98% speak English and 4.2% speak Māori. The next most common languages spoken are Chinese and Samoan.

New Zealander's have a strong egalitarian streak and a sense of fair play and teamwork making sure you will be made to feel welcome no matter where you are.

How to Register Interest

We seek to meet the needs of our doctors through an ongoing assessment of demand for work opportunities in New Zealand.

To register your interest in opportunities available in New Zealand please email nz@directmedics.com.