Job Description
Neurosurgery roles in New Zealand
Neurosurgeons work in tertiary hospitals and are involved in the assessment, diagnosis and surgical management of patients with neurological conditions. Clinical activities may include:
Operative management of brain, spinal and peripheral nerve conditions
Emergency and elective neurosurgical procedures as part of on-call duties
Pre-operative assessment and post-operative inpatient care
Participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and service planning
Coordination with intensive care, anaesthesia, nursing and allied health teams
Depending on the role, Neurosurgeons may also contribute to teaching, supervision of trainees, service development, quality improvement initiatives or regional referral support.
What it's like to work here
Neurosurgeons work with multidisciplinary teams in hospitals equipped with operating theatres, intensive care units and diagnostic services required for neurosurgical practice.
Employees are entitled to:
Access to peer networks, continuing medical education and sabbatical entitlements
Protected non-clinical time
Flexible work options depending on the service
Opportunities to participate in service development, teaching and quality improvement
Call New Zealand home
Health New Zealand can provide relocation support through the Health Immigration Service. Neurosurgeons are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, which makes them eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and allows them to apply for residency immediately.
New Zealand offers urban, regional and rural centres for professional practice across the country.
Salary and benefits
Base salary: NZD $185,380 – $267,980 (based on the ASMS collective agreement, depending on experience)
Additional compensation: On-call and availability allowances where applicable
Employees also receive:
Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate costs
Funded continuing medical education allowance (NZD $16,000 per year pro-rata)
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 a Neurosurgeon in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.
You must hold an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Neurosurgery and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.
International Neurosurgeons are granted provisional vocational registration initially and must complete a period of supervised practice (usually 6–18 months) before applying for full vocational registration.
Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora means “the weaving of wellness.” We are building a unified health system that delivers equitable, high-quality care across the country. Our people are at the centre of everything we do.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people—including Māori, Pacific Peoples, 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.
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 work in New Zealand.
Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The International Neurosurgeons position is now open for candidates interested in the Health Jobs sector. This role in Aongatete offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Health Jobs is a plus.
