A big thank you to NZDr for sponsoring this post! NZDr is a New Zealand owned and operated specialist medical recruitment agency. They are one of several preferred suppliers to the national public health system, Te Whatu Ora-Health New Zealand. They recruit Hospital Specialists and GP’s across New Zealand. NZDr assists with finding the role and location that is right for you, be it Locums, Permanent or a Fixed Term contract. They provide a tailored vacancy search, guidance through the Medical Council registration process and manage the immigration process through their own in-house licensed immigration advisor.
We talk to a lot of doctors — it’s our job.
Some are just starting to dream about life in New Zealand. Others are already here, loving the pace, the people, and the scenery. And some are wrapping up their time and deciding whether to extend, stay, or head home.
From those conversations, we’ve pulled together the most essential advice to help you decide if New Zealand is the right next step — and how to navigate it smartly.
1. Which Recruitment agency should I choose?
New Zealand is a small country and local knowledge and trusted relationships with hospitals is paramount. Partnering with a New Zealand-based agency with staff on the ground in New Zealand will give you this advantage.
Some agencies will ask you to sign a contract with them to provide you with advice and to find a job. This is unnecessary and can result in you being locked into an exclusive, restrictive contract. If you experience this, ensure you seek alternative advice elsewhere before you sign on that dotted line.
Ensure that your permission is asked and granted by you in writing before your CV is sent out. Your recruitment advisor must discuss each opportunity and location with you before sharing your details. This ensures that your CV is only received by Districts where you are interested to progress.
Pro Tip 💡 : You do not need to sign a contract with a recruitment agency BEFORE you get a job.
2. Which Medical Council Registration Pathways are available to me?
Make sure that your recruitment agent can advise upon and facilitate all the medical council registration options that are open to you – whatever your current plans are. Many Specialist doctors arrive on Locum Tenens or General registration thinking that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We know many doctors that have fallen in love with New Zealand and their plans changed.
Know all your options from the get-go
- Locum vs. Fixed-Term vs. Permanent
- Temporary, General, and Vocational Registration
- Supervision requirements and future flexibility
In all likelihood, there will be at least 2 registration pathways open to you with implications for each in terms of supervision, longevity, and limitations.
Pro Tip 💡: Think long-term — even if you’re only planning for a year. Understanding your full registration pathway keeps your future options open.
3. What should I realistically expect when working and living in New Zealand?
You are coming to experience a new country and a new healthcare system: there will be differences and a learning curve both within the workplace and outside.
Pro Tip 💡: Ask your recruiter to put you in touch with doctors and families who have moved from the US to NZ – it’s a good way to vet the recruitment agency too!
4. Who will handle my immigration paperwork — and what does it mean for my family?
Immigration can be complicated.
There are strict rules as to who can legally offer immigration advice in New Zealand. Does your recruitment agency offer complimentary advice from someone legally entitled to and experienced to do so? Who will process your visa’s? What about your family if they are coming too? What does this mean for your spouse, kids, school options, and access to healthcare?
Pro Tip 💡: Ask early and ask often. Surprises aren’t fun when they involve visas.
5. How will I be paid — and what’s included in the package?
There are two main payment models
- Locum (contractor): Paid via the recruitment agency, should work to a fixed nationally set rate card – flights, accommodation and cars are typically included in the overall package as extras or as allowances, and not costs to be deducted from your payrate.
The agency commission is paid by the district and is on top of the daily rate. The agency should NOT take money off your daily rate.
- Fixed-Term or Permanent: Paid by Health NZ, with nationally standardized pay scales,based upon the number of years of experience as a specialist, and usually include a relocation package. You will also benefit from generous holidays – 6 weeks per annum – and allowances.
The agency commission is paid by the district once you start work. The agency should NOT take a cut from your salary.
Does your agency offer both options? Can they talk you through the pros and cons for you? Be aware: Locum, Fixed term and Permanent jobs work to nationally set pay scales.
Pro Tip 💡: Ask for transparency on the rates and package that is being offered to you; talk with local New Zealand agencies who are aligned to all the national agreements.
Final Word? Ask. Questions.
Questions should be answered by your agency for free. The more you ask, the better prepared you’ll be — and the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to sign that contract.
Want to explore New Zealand further?
The team at NZDr is here to help, whether you’re curious or ready to take the leap.
📩 Email: nz@nzdr.nz
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +64 21 288 6937
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