Surgical Specialists - opportunities across New Zealand for internationally trained candidates
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora
New Zealand
Health and Care
Green List
Job posted on July 11, 2025
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Job Description:
Discover a career as a Surgical Specialist in New Zealand You improve and save lives through skilled surgical care – now it's time to create space for your own wellbeing. Whether you're seeking better balance, collaborative teams or the opportunity to explore New Zealand's landscapes, we have something for you. At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join multidisciplinary teams focused on high-quality, equitable care. We're welcoming qualified surgeons across a range of specialties to help shape the future of surgical services in New Zealand.
Opportunities across Health New Zealand Surgical Specialists work across rural, regional and tertiary hospitals with access to modern operating theatres, advanced perioperative care and surgical trainees. Depending on your scope of practice and interests, you may work in:
Depending on your role, you may also contribute to registrar training, quality improvement, research or service development.
What it's like to work here You'll be part of collaborative surgical teams, supported by anaesthetists, perioperative nurses and allied health professionals. Our hospitals are focused on patient-centred care, equity and sustainability. You'll benefit from:
Call New Zealand home If you receive a job offer, our Health Immigration Service provides free support to help you and your whānau (family) relocate. Surgeons are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa – so you can apply for residency before you even arrive. Whether you're based in a coastal town or near alpine trails, New Zealand offers space, safety and the freedom to live well.
Salary & benefits Base salary: NZD $170,000 – $250,000+ (based on the ASMS MECA) Additional compensation: On-call, availability and penal rates where applicable You'll also receive:
What you need to work here To practise as a Surgical Specialist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC). Most international applicants will need a qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), or another recognised specialist qualification. Some applicants may be eligible to work under supervision while gaining vocational registration.
Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Whatu Ora means "the weaving of wellness." We are building a single, unified health system that delivers equitable and high-quality care across the motu (country). Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people – including Māori, Pacific Peoples, those from ethnic communities, disabled people and the Rainbow community. Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders. Through collaboration, innovation and shared purpose, we aim to create a health system where everyone can thrive.
Ready to make a difference? Our international recruitment team can support you through the application, registration and immigration process – and help you find the right place to call home. Apply now – and make a difference somewhere different.
APPLY NOW
Opportunities across Health New Zealand Surgical Specialists work across rural, regional and tertiary hospitals with access to modern operating theatres, advanced perioperative care and surgical trainees. Depending on your scope of practice and interests, you may work in:
- General surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular surgery
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Otolaryngology (ENT)
- Urology
- Paediatric surgery
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Depending on your role, you may also contribute to registrar training, quality improvement, research or service development.
What it's like to work here You'll be part of collaborative surgical teams, supported by anaesthetists, perioperative nurses and allied health professionals. Our hospitals are focused on patient-centred care, equity and sustainability. You'll benefit from:
- Protected non-clinical time for CME, teaching and development
- Modern surgical facilities and access to digital health systems
- Flexible work options and clear clinical leadership pathways
- Support from senior registrars and surgical trainees
- Professional development through RACS or your college of specialty
Call New Zealand home If you receive a job offer, our Health Immigration Service provides free support to help you and your whānau (family) relocate. Surgeons are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa – so you can apply for residency before you even arrive. Whether you're based in a coastal town or near alpine trails, New Zealand offers space, safety and the freedom to live well.
Salary & benefits Base salary: NZD $170,000 – $250,000+ (based on the ASMS MECA) Additional compensation: On-call, availability and penal rates where applicable You'll also receive:
- Annual CME allowance (up to NZD $16,000)
- CME leave (up to 10 days per year)
- Six weeks of annual leave per year
- Twelve public holidays (plus time in lieu if rostered on)
- Fourteen weeks of paid parental leave
- Relocation and resettlement support
- Professional indemnity cover and MCNZ registration costs reimbursed
What you need to work here To practise as a Surgical Specialist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC). Most international applicants will need a qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), or another recognised specialist qualification. Some applicants may be eligible to work under supervision while gaining vocational registration.
Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Te Whatu Ora means "the weaving of wellness." We are building a single, unified health system that delivers equitable and high-quality care across the motu (country). Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people – including Māori, Pacific Peoples, those from ethnic communities, disabled people and the Rainbow community. Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders. Through collaboration, innovation and shared purpose, we aim to create a health system where everyone can thrive.
Ready to make a difference? Our international recruitment team can support you through the application, registration and immigration process – and help you find the right place to call home. Apply now – and make a difference somewhere different.