Discover a career as an Anaesthetist in New Zealand
You deliver safe, expert care when it matters most - now it's time to find the same care and clarity in your own career. Whether it's more work-life balance, professional development or the chance to explore stunning landscapes, New Zealand has something for you.At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join a collaborative team providing high-quality anaesthesia and perioperative care across a range of clinical specialties. We're welcoming qualified Anaesthetists to help improve health outcomes for our communities.
Opportunities across Health New Zealand
Anaesthetists work in secondary and tertiary hospitals across Aotearoa (New Zealand), often as part of generalist or subspecialist teams. Clinical areas may include:
- General surgery and orthopaedics
- Cardiac, neuro and paediatric anaesthesia (in larger centres)
- Obstetrics and gynaecology
- Trauma and emergency surgery
- Pre-assessment clinics and perioperative optimisation
- Intensive care or pain services (depending on role)
Depending on the location, you may also contribute to education, simulation, quality improvement or rural outreach services.
What it's like to work here
Anaesthetists are respected clinical leaders in the surgical and critical care teams. You'll work with experienced theatre staff and have access to modern equipment and monitoring systems.
You'll benefit from:
- Supportive and multidisciplinary environments
- Access to peer networks, CME and sabbatical entitlements
- Collegial teams and protected non-clinical time
- Flexible work options depending on the service
- Opportunities to shape service delivery and education
We're committed to supporting your career, wellbeing and family life.
Call New Zealand home
If you receive a job offer, our Health Immigration Service can support you and your whānau (family) with free relocation advice. Anaesthetists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for residency before you arrive.
New Zealand offers alpine adventures, coastal escapes, vibrant cities and a strong sense of community. Whether you're into hiking, skiing, food, or simply enjoying a slower pace, your new life awaits.
Salary & benefits
Base salary: NZD $170,000 – $250,000+ (based on the ASMS MECA, depending on experience and location)
Additional compensation: On-call, overtime and availability allowances
You'll also receive:
- Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and APC costs
- Funded CME allowance (up to NZD $16,000 per year)
- CME leave (up to 10 days per year)
- Six weeks of annual leave per year
- Twelve paid public holidays
- Long service, special leave and sabbatical entitlements
- Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
What you need to work here
To practise as an Anaesthetist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.
You'll typically need to hold an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA) and meet the Council's requirements for 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.