Working as a doctor in New Zealand

Registration in New Zealand

The Medical Council of New Zealand sets registration pathways and scopes of practice. Internationally trained specialists may be assessed for vocational or provisional vocational registration; the applicable route depends on the actual qualification and scope. Confirm any supervision or assessment requirements for the proposed position.

MCNZ: registration pathways ↗

City or regional practice?

Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch offer major urban service networks. Hamilton, Dunedin and other regional locations vary in catchment size, travel and access to colleagues. Compare the team and service model, not merely the city name.

Team and on-call structure

Ask who provides senior cover, how referrals work, whether travel or telehealth is part of the role and what on-call frequency is expected. A smaller service can offer a different clinical breadth and support structure from a large metropolitan team.

Moving with family

Review the actual housing market, school or childcare arrangements, access to healthcare and distance from friends and family alongside the position and remuneration. Registration and immigration are separate processes.