Positions: Registered Nurses / Doctors / Midwives / Physiotherapists / Occupational Therapists / Medical Laboratory Professionals / Medical Imaging Professionals / Other Qualified Healthcare Professionals
Employer: To Be Announced (TBA)
Country: New Zealand
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: Qualified & Experienced Healthcare Professionals
Salary: According to Profession, Experience, Employer, Collective Agreement & Immigration Requirements
Working Hours: Full-Time – At Least 30 Hours Per Week for Applicable AEWV Employment
Accommodation: Provided
Meals: Provided During Working Days
Professional Registration Assistance: Provided Where Applicable
Work Visa Assistance: Provided for Eligible Candidates
Residence Pathway: Available for Certain Eligible Green List Healthcare Occupations

WORK AS A SKILLED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL IN NEW ZEALAND

Applications are now open for qualified healthcare professionals interested in developing their careers in New Zealand’s healthcare sector.

Opportunities may be available with:

Public hospitals
Private hospitals
Specialist clinics
Community healthcare providers
Rehabilitation facilities
Mental-health services
Diagnostic facilities
Medical laboratories
Residential healthcare providers
Other approved healthcare organisations

New Zealand recruits healthcare professionals across a wide range of clinical disciplines.

Depending on employer requirements and professional registration, opportunities may include:

Registered Nurse
Enrolled Nurse
Medical Practitioner
General Practitioner
Specialist Doctor
Midwife
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Imaging Technologist
Sonographer
Radiation Therapist
Clinical Psychologist
Pharmacist
Other qualified allied-health professionals

These are skilled professional healthcare positions.

Applicants must possess the qualifications, experience and professional registration required for the particular occupation.

AVAILABLE LOCATIONS

Healthcare vacancies may be available throughout New Zealand, including:

Auckland
Hamilton
Tauranga
Wellington
Palmerston North
Napier / Hastings
Nelson
Christchurch
Dunedin
Invercargill

Additional vacancies may be available in smaller cities and regional communities.

Healthcare professionals who are willing to work outside the largest metropolitan areas may have access to a broader range of opportunities.

The final workplace will be confirmed in the formal employment offer.

REGISTERED NURSES

Registered Nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, community healthcare services, rehabilitation facilities and other healthcare environments.

Potential nursing areas include:

Medical wards
Surgical wards
Emergency departments
Intensive care
Operating theatres
Mental health
Aged healthcare
Community nursing
Rehabilitation
Paediatrics
Maternity services
Oncology
Cardiology
Orthopaedics

Exact vacancies depend on employer requirements.

REGISTERED NURSE DUTIES

Typical responsibilities may include:

Assessing patients
Developing nursing care plans
Monitoring patient condition
Recording clinical observations
Administering medication where authorised
Supporting diagnostic and treatment procedures
Providing wound care
Communicating with doctors
Coordinating patient care
Educating patients
Supporting family members
Maintaining clinical records
Responding to changes in patient condition
Participating in multidisciplinary healthcare teams

Registered Nurses must practise within their professional scope and New Zealand registration requirements.

NURSING REGISTRATION

Nursing is a regulated profession in New Zealand.

Internationally qualified nurses must satisfy the requirements of the Nursing Council of New Zealand before practising as Registered Nurses.

Registration requirements can include assessment of:

Nursing qualification
Previous registration
Professional experience
English-language competency
Identity
Professional standing
Criminal history
Competence
Other registration requirements

Candidates should begin the professional registration process as early as possible.

Immigration New Zealand requires applicants for occupations requiring occupational registration to have the necessary registration before applying for a work visa for that occupation.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

Opportunities may also be available for qualified doctors.

Potential positions include:

General Practitioner
Resident Medical Officer
Hospital Doctor
Emergency Medicine Doctor
Anaesthetist
Psychiatrist
Radiologist
Surgeon
Physician
Paediatrician
Other medical specialists

Medical vacancies will depend on qualification, speciality, professional experience and New Zealand registration.

DOCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Depending on speciality, responsibilities may include:

Examining patients
Taking medical histories
Diagnosing conditions
Ordering investigations
Developing treatment plans
Prescribing medication
Performing appropriate procedures
Referring patients
Monitoring treatment
Maintaining medical records
Communicating with healthcare professionals
Providing patient education

Doctors must only practise within the professional scope authorised by the relevant New Zealand registration authority.

MEDICAL REGISTRATION

Doctors intending to practise medicine in New Zealand generally require registration with the appropriate professional authority.

International medical graduates may be assessed according to factors such as:

Medical degree
Country of qualification
Professional registration
Medical experience
Specialist qualifications
Examination history
English ability
Professional standing

The applicable registration pathway depends on the individual doctor’s circumstances.

MIDWIVES

Qualified Midwives may work within:

Hospitals
Maternity units
Community maternity services
Specialist maternity services

Responsibilities can include:

Antenatal care
Monitoring pregnancy
Supporting labour
Assisting childbirth
Postnatal care
Supporting mothers and babies
Providing health education
Maintaining clinical records

Midwifery is a professionally regulated occupation, and appropriate New Zealand registration is required.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Physiotherapists may work in:

Hospitals
Rehabilitation centres
Community services
Private clinics
Sports rehabilitation
Elderly healthcare

Responsibilities may include:

Assessing mobility
Developing rehabilitation plans
Providing exercise programmes
Supporting recovery following injury
Supporting patients after surgery
Improving strength and movement
Monitoring progress
Educating patients

Internationally qualified Physiotherapists must meet applicable New Zealand professional-registration requirements before working independently in the profession.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS

Occupational Therapists help people regain or maintain the ability to perform everyday activities.

Potential responsibilities include:

Assessing patients
Developing rehabilitation programmes
Supporting independent living
Assessing home or workplace needs
Recommending appropriate equipment
Supporting people following injury
Supporting people with disabilities
Working with multidisciplinary teams

Professional registration requirements apply.

MEDICAL LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS

Qualified laboratory professionals may work within:

Hospital laboratories
Diagnostic laboratories
Pathology services
Blood services
Specialist diagnostic facilities

Responsibilities can include:

Processing samples
Performing laboratory tests
Analysing results
Operating laboratory equipment
Quality control
Maintaining laboratory records
Following biosafety procedures

Only appropriately qualified and registered professionals may perform duties requiring professional registration.

MEDICAL IMAGING PROFESSIONALS

Potential roles may include:

Medical Imaging Technologist
Radiographer
Sonographer
Radiation Therapist
Other diagnostic-imaging professionals

Depending on the role, responsibilities may involve:

Preparing patients
Operating imaging equipment
Producing diagnostic images
Following radiation-safety requirements
Working with radiologists and doctors
Maintaining accurate patient records

Professional registration requirements may apply before employment and immigration approval.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY & MENTAL HEALTH

Qualified healthcare professionals may also be required within mental-health services.

Potential opportunities may include:

Clinical Psychologist
Mental-health nursing
Specialist therapy roles
Community mental-health positions

Applicants must possess the appropriate qualification and professional registration for the specific profession.

PHARMACISTS

Qualified Pharmacists may potentially work within:

Hospital pharmacies
Community pharmacies
Other authorised pharmaceutical environments

Responsibilities can include:

Reviewing prescriptions
Dispensing medication
Advising patients
Providing medicine information
Supporting medication safety
Maintaining pharmaceutical records
Working with doctors and nurses

Registration and professional requirements apply.

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

Many skilled healthcare jobs are regulated occupations in New Zealand.

International candidates should therefore understand that possessing a foreign degree does not automatically give them permission to practise in New Zealand.

Depending on the profession, registration may involve assessment of:

University qualifications
Professional training
Clinical placements
Professional experience
Current professional registration
Certificates of good standing
English-language competency
Continuing professional development
Identity
Criminal history

The relevant New Zealand registration authority makes the final decision.

Neither the employer nor recruitment company can guarantee professional registration.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Healthcare professionals need strong English-language communication skills.

Employees must be able to communicate effectively with:

Patients
Families
Doctors
Nurses
Therapists
Pharmacists
Healthcare managers
Other professionals

Professional registration bodies may require evidence of English-language competency.

Requirements depend on the profession and registration authority.

Candidates should be prepared to provide accepted English-language evidence where required.

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATION ASSESSMENT

Some applicants may need an assessment showing how their overseas qualification compares with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

Whether an International Qualification Assessment is needed depends on:

Occupation
Qualification
Country of education
Professional registration arrangements
Immigration route

Applicants will be advised where such an assessment is necessary.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Healthcare professionals may work in busy clinical environments requiring:

High levels of responsibility
Accurate communication
Patient confidentiality
Teamwork
Professional decision-making
Shift work
Accurate clinical documentation
Appropriate infection-control procedures
Professional ethics

Workers must follow the clinical policies of their employer and the standards established by their registration authority.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Healthcare workers must follow workplace safety and infection-control procedures.

This may include:

Hand hygiene
Personal protective equipment
Safe handling of clinical equipment
Infection prevention
Safe patient movement
Medication safety
Sharps procedures
Emergency procedures
Reporting incidents
Maintaining patient confidentiality

Professionals are responsible for practising safely within their authorised scope.

SHIFT WORK

Hospitals and many healthcare facilities operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Depending on the position, employees may work:

Morning shifts
Day shifts
Evening shifts
Night shifts
Weekends
Public holidays

Certain community, clinic and allied-health positions may primarily operate during ordinary daytime hours.

The final roster will depend on the employer and position.

WORKING HOURS

These positions are full-time.

For an applicable Accredited Employer Work Visa, the employment offer must provide at least:

30 HOURS PER WEEK

Many skilled healthcare positions may provide approximately:

40 HOURS PER WEEK

or another full-time roster depending on occupation and employer.

The employment agreement will clearly identify guaranteed hours and roster arrangements.

SALARY

Healthcare salaries vary substantially according to profession.

Salary can depend on:

Occupation
Professional registration
Qualifications
Experience
Speciality
Employer
Collective agreement
Seniority
Shift pattern
Location

Therefore, a Registered Nurse, Specialist Doctor, Physiotherapist and Medical Laboratory Scientist should not be advertised under one artificial salary figure.

The formal employment offer will state the applicable:

Hourly rate, or
Annual salary

and any applicable shift or allowance arrangements.

All employment must comply with New Zealand employment law and applicable immigration requirements.

New Zealand’s general adult minimum wage from 1 April 2026 is:

NZD $23.95 GROSS PER HOUR

However, qualified healthcare professionals will generally be employed according to the applicable professional salary structure, collective agreement or market rate rather than simply at the general minimum wage.

OVERTIME & ADDITIONAL SHIFTS

Depending on employer requirements, additional shifts or overtime may become available.

This can occur because of:

Staff shortages
Increased patient demand
Emergency requirements
Roster requirements

Additional work is not guaranteed.

Applicable payment arrangements will be explained in the employment agreement.

ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED

Accommodation will be arranged for successful employees under the recruitment package.

Depending on employer and location, accommodation may include:

Shared apartments
Shared houses
Staff accommodation
Employer-arranged housing
Other suitable accommodation

Accommodation arrangements may initially be provided while the employee becomes established in New Zealand.

Any applicable costs, utilities or lawful deductions will be fully disclosed before the employee accepts employment.

MEALS PROVIDED

Meals will be provided during scheduled working days according to employer arrangements.

Exact meal arrangements will be confirmed before employment begins.

NEW ZEALAND EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

Migrant healthcare workers have the same basic minimum employment protections applicable to other New Zealand workers.

Employees should receive a written employment agreement identifying:

Employer
Job title
Workplace
Salary
Guaranteed hours
Duties
Leave
Employment conditions

Healthcare professionals should carefully review the contract before accepting employment.

ACCREDITED EMPLOYER WORK VISA

Many international healthcare professionals can potentially work in New Zealand using the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

Applicants must have a genuine offer of full-time employment from a New Zealand accredited employer.

The position must generally:

Be offered by an accredited employer
Provide at least 30 hours of work per week
Be supported by an approved job check
Meet applicable occupational requirements
Meet applicable wage requirements

The candidate must also meet Immigration New Zealand’s individual requirements.

OCCUPATIONAL REGISTRATION & THE WORK VISA

Professional registration is particularly important for skilled healthcare recruitment.

Where an occupation legally requires registration, Immigration New Zealand requires the applicant to hold the necessary occupational registration.

For example, a nurse needs registration through the appropriate New Zealand nursing authority before applying for a visa to work as a nurse.

Candidates should therefore begin professional-registration preparation early.

GREEN LIST HEALTHCARE OCCUPATIONS

New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations where the country has particular workforce requirements.

A number of skilled healthcare professions appear on the Green List.

Depending on the exact occupation and the applicant satisfying the required:

Professional registration
Qualification
Experience
Employment
Salary
Immigration criteria

the candidate may potentially have access to a residence pathway.

The exact Green List requirements must be checked against the individual occupation.

STRAIGHT TO RESIDENCE

Some Green List occupations fall within Tier 1.

Eligible candidates working in or holding an acceptable job offer for a qualifying Tier 1 occupation may potentially apply for the:

STRAIGHT TO RESIDENCE VISA

This can be a significant benefit for eligible skilled healthcare professionals.

However, the candidate must meet all applicable requirements.

These may include:

Eligible Green List occupation
Required professional registration
Appropriate job or job offer
Accredited employer where required
Applicable salary conditions
Age requirements
English requirements
Health requirements
Character requirements

A healthcare qualification by itself does not guarantee eligibility.

WORK TO RESIDENCE

Certain Green List occupations can instead fall under Tier 2 and require qualifying New Zealand employment before residence can be applied for.

The exact pathway depends on the occupation as listed by Immigration New Zealand at the time of application.

Candidates will be assessed individually.

RESIDENCE IS NOT AUTOMATIC

Applicants should understand the distinction between:

Obtaining professional registration
Receiving a job offer
Receiving a work visa
Becoming eligible for residence

These are separate processes.

A successful work visa does not automatically guarantee residence.

Similarly, being employed in healthcare does not automatically mean that a person qualifies under the Green List.

The exact occupation and Green List requirements must be satisfied.

WORK VISA & IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE

Candidates selected by an eligible employer will receive assistance with the relevant immigration process.

Assistance may include guidance concerning:

Employment offer
Employment agreement
Employer documentation
Job-check documentation
Professional registration
Qualification evidence
Work experience
English-language evidence
Police certificates
Medical requirements
Immigration documentation
Visa application preparation
Pre-departure requirements

Applicants remain responsible for providing genuine documents and meeting Immigration New Zealand requirements.

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION ASSISTANCE

Where required, eligible candidates will receive guidance concerning preparation of their professional-registration application.

Assistance may include information regarding:

Registration authority
Academic certificates
University transcripts
Professional licence
Employment references
Certificates of good standing
Clinical experience
English evidence
Identity documentation
Certified translations

The final decision remains entirely with the relevant registration authority.

FAMILY MEMBERS

Depending on the visa and residence route, eligible skilled healthcare professionals may potentially be able to support or include qualifying family members under applicable New Zealand immigration rules.

This depends on factors including:

Visa category
Salary
Occupation
Immigration status
Partner eligibility
Child eligibility

Candidates will be advised according to their individual circumstances.

IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

A healthcare job application does not automatically provide a New Zealand work visa or residence.

International candidates must satisfy requirements relating to:

Professional registration
Qualifications
Experience
Employer accreditation
Approved job check where applicable
Occupation
Salary
English language
Health
Character
Immigration history
Other applicable requirements

The final immigration decision is made by Immigration New Zealand.

The final professional-registration decision is made by the appropriate New Zealand registration authority.

Neither can be guaranteed by an employer or recruitment organisation.

APPLICATION & INTERVIEW PROCESS

Candidates should begin by completing the online application form available on this website.

Applicants should provide full information concerning:

Profession
University qualification
Professional registration
Country of registration
Years of experience
Clinical speciality
Current employer
Previous employment
English-language ability
Current country of residence
New Zealand registration status, if already obtained

Candidates should upload or provide details of relevant professional documentation where requested.

SHORTLISTING

Applications will be reviewed according to:

Available vacancies
Professional qualifications
Experience
Registration eligibility
Employer requirements
Immigration eligibility

Candidates whose profiles match available positions may be shortlisted.

Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.

INTERVIEWS

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to:

Online interviews
Clinical interviews
Employer interviews
Professional assessments
Panel interviews

Some employers may require candidates to discuss clinical cases or professional scenarios during the interview.

Depending on recruitment arrangements, shortlisted candidates may also be invited to formal recruitment events in Asia or the United Kingdom.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Candidates should not purchase flights, book hotels or make travel arrangements simply because they have submitted an application or received a shortlist notification.

Where attendance at an in-person interview is required, candidates will receive a formal invitation.

Applicants must ensure they are legally eligible to travel to the interview destination.

Do not make travel arrangements until formally invited.

EMPLOYMENT OFFER

Candidates successfully selected will receive formal details of the employment opportunity.

The employment documentation will normally identify:

Employer
Healthcare facility
Job title
Location
Salary
Guaranteed working hours
Shift arrangement
Duties
Professional-registration requirements
Accommodation arrangements
Meal arrangements
Proposed starting date

Candidates should carefully review all documentation before accepting employment.

HOW TO APPLY

COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Qualified healthcare professionals interested in working in New Zealand are invited to submit an application.

Applicants should provide complete details of their:

Healthcare qualifications
Professional registration
Clinical experience
Speciality
Employment history
English-language ability

Particular consideration may be given to professionals whose occupations are included on New Zealand’s Green List and who satisfy the applicable professional-registration requirements.

Once your application has been submitted:

PLEASE WAIT TO BE CONTACTED.

Applications will be assessed against available vacancies.

Candidates selected for the next stage will be contacted directly.

POSITION SUMMARY

Positions: Registered Nurses / Doctors / Midwives / Allied Health Professionals
Country: New Zealand
Employment: Full-Time
Salary: According to Profession, Experience, Collective Agreement & Immigration Requirements
General 2026 Adult Minimum Wage: NZD $23.95 Gross Per Hour
AEWV Minimum Job Offer: At Least 30 Hours Per Week
Professional Registration: Required for Regulated Professions
Accommodation: Provided
Meals: Provided During Working Days
Professional Registration Assistance: Provided Where Applicable
Work Visa Assistance: Provided for Eligible Candidates
Green List Residence Pathway: Potentially Available for Eligible Occupations
Employer: TBA

APPLY FOR SKILLED HEALTHCARE JOBS IN NEW ZEALAND

If you are a professionally qualified healthcare worker interested in developing your career in New Zealand, submit your application to be considered for available opportunities.

Applications are welcomed from appropriately qualified nurses, doctors, midwives, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory professionals, imaging professionals and other skilled healthcare specialists.

International candidates will be assessed according to professional-registration requirements, employer needs and New Zealand immigration eligibility.

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM AND WAIT TO BE CONTACTED IF YOUR APPLICATION IS SHORTLISTED.

Submitting an application does not guarantee professional registration, an interview, employment, an Accredited Employer Work Visa or New Zealand residence. Green List eligibility depends on the exact occupation and the applicant satisfying all applicable qualification, registration, employment, salary, age, English-language, health, character and immigration requirements. Final professional-registration decisions are made by the relevant New Zealand registration authority, while immigration decisions are made by Immigration New Zealand.