Discover a career as a Psychiatrist in New Zealand
You support others to thrive – now it's time to do the same for yourself. Whether you're looking for more time, purpose or the chance to explore Aotearoa's natural beauty, we have something for you.At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join multidisciplinary mental health teams focused on person-centred care. We're welcoming Psychiatrists from around the world to help us deliver equitable, recovery-oriented services and improve mental health outcomes across our communities.
Opportunities across Health New Zealand
Psychiatrists work across inpatient, outpatient and community settings, often within integrated teams. Depending on your experience and interests, you could work in:
- General adult psychiatry
- Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
- Older persons' psychiatry
- Forensic and prison mental health services
- Consultation-liaison psychiatry
- Addiction medicine and dual diagnosis services
Many roles include opportunities for teaching, supervision, research and service development.
What it's like to work here
You'll work in collaborative teams alongside psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and peer support workers. Our services value cultural safety, equity and recovery, and are grounded in te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
You'll benefit from:
- Protected time for CME and service development
- Peer and cultural supervision
- Supportive clinical governance and professional networks
- Clear pathways for subspecialty development and leadership
Call New Zealand home
If you receive a job offer, our Health Immigration Service provides free support to help you and your whānau (family) relocate. Psychiatrists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa – so you can apply for residency before you even arrive.
Whether you're based by the beach, in a rural town or near the mountains, New Zealand offers a better balance of time, space and connection.
Salary & benefits
Base salary: NZD $170,000 – $250,000+ (based on the ASMS MECA)
Additional compensation: On-call, penal rates and availability allowances where applicable
You'll also receive:
- Annual CME allowance (up to NZD $16,000)
- CME leave (up to 10 days per year)
- Six weeks of annual leave per year
- Twelve public holidays (plus time in lieu if rostered on)
- Fourteen weeks paid parental leave
- Relocation and resettlement support
- Professional indemnity cover and MCNZ registration costs reimbursed
What you need to work here
To practise as a Psychiatrist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC).
Most international applicants will need a recognised postgraduate qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP), or another comparable specialist qualification. Some applicants may be eligible to work under supervision while obtaining 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.
