Rural Emergency Physicians

• Take the next step in your career as a Rural Emergency Physician in New Zealand
• Two positions available: Taranaki (Hāwera Hospital) and Waikato (Taumarunui Hospital)
• Permanent or fixed-term, full-time or part-time roles available

We currently have two rewarding Rural Emergency Physician opportunities available across the country. In either role, you will join a close-knit, talented and supportive team and enjoy an excellent work-life balance.

About the roles

In Taranaki, you'll work closely with our rural hospital medicine specialists, Emergency Department Nursing team, general practitioners, specialist nurses, and allied health practitioners to enable continuity of care. For much of your shifts, you'll be the sole doctor on duty, offering a high level of clinical autonomy and the opportunity to practice broad-spectrum rural emergency medicine.

In Waikato, you'll work with varied presentations in our emergency department and on the inpatient ward providing a high level of emergency and ongoing care in an independent manner. You will deliver proficient preventive, therapeutic and diagnostic interventions effectively.

Both roles ideally call for Rural Hospital Specialists or Emergency Medicine Physicians vocationally registered or eligible for vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

About the teams

In Taranaki at Hāwera Hospital, you'll join an experienced interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, providing excellent opportunities for teaching, mentoring and professional development, while supporting you to practice true rural emergency medicine with clinical independence, broad experience and strong regional connections.

In Waikato at Taumarunui Hospital, you'll be joining a highly supportive senior medical team providing emergency and inpatient care to the Taumarunui community, with excellent mentoring and plentiful opportunities to develop emergency procedures skills and advance your career.

About the locations

Set in the stunning South Taranaki landscape, life here comes with fresh air, beautiful coastlines, and a strong sense of place. Whether you're surfing after a shift or hiking up Mount Taranaki, this region offers lifestyle advantages that restore balance and connection. It's medicine the way it should be - personal, practical, and grounded in community.

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, Taumarunui offers an exceptional lifestyle for those who enjoy the outdoors. Located on the Adventure Highway, the town is surrounded by some of the countrys most spectacular natural landscapes, from the majestic Mt Ruapehu to the tranquil Whanganui River. Taumarunui is an outstanding place to grow your career while enjoying everything the region has to offer. For more information on living and working in Waikato, click here.

Call New Zealand home

Once offered a position, our internal Health Immigration team can provide free support to you and your family with immigrating to New Zealand. Senior Medical Officers are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Immigration Green List, which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive.

One of the best things about living and working in New Zealand is the opportunity to experience nature, outdoor adventure and vibrant cities close to where you live and work. You're never far away from your next adventure in New Zealand with access to hiking, skiing, mountain biking, water sports, fine dining, and diving into traditional experiences to learn more about Māori culture across the country.

Salary, benefits and leave

Salary:

• The average salary package for Rural Emergency Physicians in New Zealand is AUD ~$286,398 (NZD $343,500)
• Packages are comprised of a base salary based on experience, plus allowances, and superannuation per the ASMS collective agreement

Benefits

You will receive:

• an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of AUD ~$13,340 (NZD $16,000)
• paid 3-month sabbaticals every 6 years
• your indemnity insurance covered by Health NZ
• your professional fees and subscriptions fully reimbursed
• complimentary visa and immigration support
• a tailored relocation package to make your move, if eligible.

Leave

You'll get:

• 6 weeks of annual leave
• generous discretionary sick leave
• 12 public holidays, paid T1.5 + time in lieu if worked
• 14 weeks paid parental leave alongside the government's 26-weeks.

Please note that actual packages are negotiated at the time of offer, reflecting your specific clinical specialty, experience level, and geographic location.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome all applications including those from diverse Māori, Pacific disabled and rainbow communities.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for the Taranaki vacancy, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact Rory Kennelly, Head of Department - Hawera ED, GP and Inpatient Unit [email protected] or Kate McCrea, General Manager - STRH [email protected]

To apply for the Waikato vacancy, please click here. If you have questions, please contact Rachel Spencer [email protected]

If you're not sure which vacancy suits you best, or would like to talk through the opportunities, please contact our International Recruitment team [email protected]

We only accept online applications.