The Northern Region of New Zealand
Medical Careers and Lifestyle in New Zealand's Northern Region
Discover Opportunities in Northland, Auckland, Counties Manukau, and Waitemata
New Zealand's Northern Region is located at the northern tip of the North Island, extending from the subtropical beauty of Northland to the vibrant urban hub of Auckland, New Zealand's commercial capital and largest city. The region offers an outstanding blend of urban city living and stunning natural landscapes with a wealth of rewarding medical career opportunities and leisure pursuits.
Auckland
Auckland the "City of Sails" is situated between two harbours and boasts volcanic cones, regional parks, and more than 50 islands in the Hauraki Gulf. The surrounding Counties Manukau and Waitematā districts offer a mix of urban, suburban, and rural environments. Auckland enjoys a temperate maritime climate with moderate rainfall and comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
Auckland has a population exceeding 1.6 million, and is home to over 180 ethnic groups, with significant Māori, Pacific Island, Asian, and European communities. It is New Zealand's most cosmopolitan city offering rich cultural experiences, including international dining, festivals, museums, and art galleries.
Northland
The Northland region, with Whangārei as its largest city, is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes. The area features rolling green hills, native kauri forests, and an extensive coastline with some of New Zealand's most stunning beaches and harbours. The subtropical climate provides warm summers and mild winters, making outdoor activities accessible year-round.
The Heart of Te Tai Tokerau, Northland is home to many Māori iwi (tribes) and is often considered the spiritual heart of New Zealand. Doctors working in this region can expect to experience close-knit communities, rich cultural traditions, and strong ties to Māori heritage and language.
Leisure Interests and Facilities
Outdoor Recreation
The Northern Region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In Northland, doctors can explore coastal walks, sailing, fishing, and diving in world-renowned sites such as the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. The Bay of Islands and Ninety Mile Beach offer exceptional weekend escapes.
Auckland provides easy access to beautiful beaches, bush walks in the Waitākere and Hunua Ranges, sailing on the Waitematā Harbour, and world-class golf courses. Skiing and snowboarding are just a short flight away in the central North Island.
Urban Amenities
Auckland offers outstanding shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its healthcare infrastructure includes some of the country’s largest hospitals and research centres. Auckland and Counties Manukau Districts offer excellent schooling, including prestigious public and private institutions, and access to the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences.
Whangārei also boasts modern healthcare facilities, a developing arts scene, and a more relaxed lifestyle, ideal for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.
Medical Career Opportunities
Auckland Region
Auckland, Counties Manukau, and Waitematā health districts provide opportunities across tertiary, secondary, and community healthcare settings. Roles include positions in major hospitals such as Auckland City Hospital, Middlemore Hospital, Starship National Children's Hospital and North Shore Hospital. There are numerous opportunities in general practice, specialist medicine, surgery, pathology and mental health services.
Northland Region
Northland offers rewarding work in regional and rural healthcare settings, often with opportunities for greater autonomy and community engagement. Whangārei Hospital serves as the primary secondary care centre, supported by smaller rural hospitals and clinics throughout the region.
Why Choose New Zealand's Northern Region?
- A unique blend of vibrant urban life and tranquil rural environments.
- Excellent professional development and research opportunities.
- Opportunities to work in diverse clinical settings from rural hospitals and primary healthcare to secondary and regional tertiary referral centres.
- Welcoming, multicultural communities.
- Access to some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
- High-quality education and healthcare infrastructure.
- Excellent international transport links
Take the Next Step in Your Medical Career
If you are a doctor considering relocating to New Zealand, the Northern Region presents an outstanding opportunity for both career advancement and lifestyle satisfaction. Take action today by:
- Register your interest on our website - submit CV
- Search our currently advertised jobs - job search
- Contact us to discuss your interest - contact us
- Explore other regions of New Zealand - New Zealand
- Read our blog articles - view resources
SEARCH JOBS
Ready for a change? Whether you’re looking for higher compensation, greater autonomy, a better work-life balance, or just a change in scenery, we have job opportunities in wonderful locations in New Zealand. Start your medical or dental job search today and embark on your next career move.
SUBMIT A JOB VACANCY
Ready to hire medical or dental practitioners? We have an extensive data base of qualified candidates across the world ready for locum and permanent positions in New Zealand. Contact us to discuss your candidate requirements or submit details of a job vacancy using our form. Our recruiters will be delighted to discuss how we can assist.
New Zealand Statistics
5.14 Million
POPULATION
Wellington
CAPITAL CITY
NZD
CURRENCY
US$ 248.1 Billion
GDP
Insights into Working as a Doctor or Dentist in New Zealand
New Zealand - An Overview
New Zealand, or Aotearoa in the Maori Language, is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the islands of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. The six largest island country in the world, it consists of two main landmasses; the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu) and over 700 smaller islands. The country's varied topography and sharp mountain peaks, including the Southern Alps, owe much to tectonic uplift and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, and its most populous city is Auckland.
4 Considerations for A Medical and Dental Job Search in New Zealand
Once you have decided that you are interested in working as a doctor or dentist in New Zealand there are four major considerations to address:
Registration with the Medical and Dental Councils of New Zealand
All practising doctors and dentists must register with the Medical or Dental Councils of New Zealand and in the case of Maxillofacial Surgeons with both. All must have an Annual Practising Certificate.
Medical and Dental Malpractice Insurance
ButtonAll doctors and dentists practising in New Zealand must hold medical indemnity insurance. NZMMI and Medicus Indemnity New Zealand INC are the two major companies which provide medical indemnity insurance in New Zealand, but there are other to chose from. All medical indemnity insurance costs are refunded by Health New Zealand for those practising in the public sector
New Zealand Taxation for Doctors and Dentists
New Zealand has a simple system of taxation laws with minimal loopholes and is one of the most favourable environments for investors in all of the OECD countries. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, healthcare tax or local taxes aside from property taxes. There is, however, a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 15% factored in to the price of most goods and there are taxes on alcohol, tobacco and petrol.
Medical Recruitment Process Timeframes
Once you have established eligibility for professional registration with the Medical and/ or Dental Council of New Zealand and eligibility for a visa or permanent residency and decided upon your scope of practice, you are ready to apply for jobs.
4 Step Medical Recruitment Process
There are 4 steps to the medical and dental recruitment process:
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