Job Description
Psychiatrists are in high demand across New Zealand, serving a multicultural population with diverse mental health needs. At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join multidisciplinary teams delivering high-quality psychiatric care, making a real difference in the lives of patients and their families.
About the role
Psychiatrists in New Zealand provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, and management across a wide range of mental health conditions. You'll work in collaborative environments, supported by multidisciplinary teams, with opportunities to develop your skills, take leadership roles, and contribute to service improvement.
Opportunities across Health New Zealand
Clinical roles for Psychiatrists include:
Addiction Psychiatry
Adult Psychiatry
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Consultation-liaison Psychiatry
Forensic Psychiatry
Psychiatry of old age
Psychotherapies
Depending on location, you may also participate in teaching, supervision, research, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects.
What it's like to work here
Psychiatrists are respected clinical leaders working alongside nurses, allied health professionals, and other specialists in hospitals and community mental health services. You'll benefit from:
Supportive, multidisciplinary teams
Opportunities to teach, mentor, and contribute to research
Protected non-clinical time and flexible work options
Engagement in service development and quality improvement initiatives
Call New Zealand home
Health New Zealand can support you and your whānau with relocation advice through the Health Immigration Service. Psychiatrists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa and allowing residency applications before arrival.
New Zealand offers safe, welcoming communities, vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and a high standard of living. Families benefit from free public schooling and access to public healthcare.
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
Additional entitlements include:
Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate costs
Funded Continuing Medical Education (CME) 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 Psychiatrist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate. You will typically require an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) or equivalent and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.
International Psychiatrists with approved qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and Australia can apply for fast-track Medical Council registration, often processed within 20 working days, allowing you to start working in Aotearoa sooner.
Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora means “the weaving of wellness.” We are building a unified health system delivering equitable, high-quality care across New Zealand. Our people are at the heart 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 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 application, registration, and immigration processes—and help you find the right place to work in New Zealand.
Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.
About the role
Psychiatrists in New Zealand provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, and management across a wide range of mental health conditions. You'll work in collaborative environments, supported by multidisciplinary teams, with opportunities to develop your skills, take leadership roles, and contribute to service improvement.
Opportunities across Health New Zealand
Clinical roles for Psychiatrists include:
Addiction Psychiatry
Adult Psychiatry
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Consultation-liaison Psychiatry
Forensic Psychiatry
Psychiatry of old age
Psychotherapies
Depending on location, you may also participate in teaching, supervision, research, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects.
What it's like to work here
Psychiatrists are respected clinical leaders working alongside nurses, allied health professionals, and other specialists in hospitals and community mental health services. You'll benefit from:
Supportive, multidisciplinary teams
Opportunities to teach, mentor, and contribute to research
Protected non-clinical time and flexible work options
Engagement in service development and quality improvement initiatives
Call New Zealand home
Health New Zealand can support you and your whānau with relocation advice through the Health Immigration Service. Psychiatrists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa and allowing residency applications before arrival.
New Zealand offers safe, welcoming communities, vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and a high standard of living. Families benefit from free public schooling and access to public healthcare.
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
Additional entitlements include:
Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate costs
Funded Continuing Medical Education (CME) 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 Psychiatrist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate. You will typically require an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) or equivalent and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.
International Psychiatrists with approved qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and Australia can apply for fast-track Medical Council registration, often processed within 20 working days, allowing you to start working in Aotearoa sooner.
Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora means “the weaving of wellness.” We are building a unified health system delivering equitable, high-quality care across New Zealand. Our people are at the heart 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 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 application, registration, and immigration processes—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 Psychiatrists position is now open for candidates interested in the Health Jobs sector. This role in Alford Forest 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.
