Discover a career as a Hospital Pharmacist in New Zealand
You play a critical role in safe, effective treatment – now it's time to find the same support in your own career. Whether it's more work-life balance, professional development or the chance to explore the country's natural beauty, New Zealand offers something for you.At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join a team that values clinical excellence and collaboration. We're welcoming qualified Hospital Pharmacists who are passionate about improving medicine safety, equity and health outcomes for patients across New Zealand.
Opportunities across Health New Zealand
Hospital Pharmacists at Health New Zealand work across tertiary, regional and rural hospitals in areas such as:
- Clinical ward-based pharmacy
- Dispensary and medicines reconciliation
- Oncology and aseptic services
- Antimicrobial stewardship
- Emergency and intensive care pharmacy
- Quality use of medicines and audit
Depending on your experience and the district, you may have opportunities to rotate across services, take on leadership roles or specialise in advanced clinical pharmacy practice.
What it's like to work here
Hospital Pharmacists are integral to patient safety and effective care. You'll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe prescribing, reduce medicine-related harm and support better outcomes for patients and whānau (families).
You'll benefit from:
- Regular supervision and strong clinical support
- Paid CPD leave and professional development funding
- Support to work toward pharmacist prescriber or advanced scopes
- Structured career progression through MECA and internal pathways
- Flexible work options in some services (full-time and part-time)
We're committed to supporting your professional growth and ensuring your work remains rewarding and sustainable.
Call New Zealand home
If you receive an offer, our Health Immigration Service offers free support to help you and your whānau (family) relocate. Pharmacists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, which means you're eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa – allowing you to apply for residency before you arrive.
Whether you're drawn to beaches, mountains or city life, New Zealand offers a lifestyle that's safe, welcoming and full of opportunity.
Salary & benefits
Base salary: NZD $70,000 – $100,000+ (based on the PSA Allied, Public Health and Technical MECA)
Additional compensation: Penal rates, higher duties and on-call allowances where applicable
You'll also receive:
- Reimbursement of your professional registration and APC
- Paid Continuing Professional Development (CPD) time and allowance
- Professional indemnity cover provided by Health NZ
- Four weeks of annual leave per year
- Ten days of paid sick leave
- Twelve public holidays (plus time in lieu if rostered on)
- Fourteen weeks paid parental leave
- Long service and special leave entitlements
What you need to work here
To work as a Pharmacist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC). International applicants are assessed on their qualifications, supervised practice and fitness to practise.
Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora means "the weaving of wellness." We're building a single, unified health system that delivers equitable, 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.
