Looking to build broad surgical experience in a supportive, hands-on environment ?
Head Medical is seeking post-foundation doctors with an interest in General Surgery for a 12-month position at Tauranga Hospital, located in the heart of New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Plenty.
This role offers the opportunity to gain rotational exposure across General Surgery subspecialties, including Upper GI, Vascular Surgery, Colonoscopy, alongside core General Surgery experience - ideal for doctors looking to strengthen their surgical foundations while working closely with experienced Consultants.
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Broad surgical exposure across General Surgery subspecialties
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Hands-on learning within a supportive Consultant-led team
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Outstanding lifestyle – golden beaches, coastal walks, and year-round sunshine
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Salary: $96,870 – $131,535 NZD (depending on experience)
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Start dates in May and August 2026, 12-month contract
The Role
This position is based at Tauranga Hospital, a 359-bed Level 2 hospital providing specialist services to a population of approximately 308,000 across the Bay of Plenty region. The district also includes Whakatāne Hospital (110 beds), located around one hour down the coast.
As part of the General Surgery service, you will work as an integral member of the surgical team, gaining exposure across:
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General Surgery inpatient and outpatient care
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Theatre lists and peri-operative management
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Rotational experience across Upper GI, Vascular Surgery and Colonoscopy services
You will work closely with skilled Consultants committed to education, supervision, and developing junior doctors, with opportunities to broaden your clinical and procedural skills in a busy regional centre.
The service has a strong focus on equity and Māori health, with Māori representing around 25.6% of the local population, and an active commitment to improving access and outcomes through redesigned care pathways.
About You
We are keen to hear from motivated doctors who:
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Have completed foundation training
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Have broad surgical exposure, ideally including time in General Surgery
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Are enthusiastic, adaptable, and keen to develop their surgical skill set
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Thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment
The Location
Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing and most desirable cities. Located just 2.5 hours south of Auckland, it is renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant café culture, mild climate and active outdoor lifestyle.
Highlights include:
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Mount Maunganui – world-famous surf beaches and scenic walking trails
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Excellent schools, safe family living and a friendly community
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Marine wildlife, ocean activities, markets, and natural hot pools
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A domestic airport with easy connections to Auckland and beyond
Find out more about the region: Tauranga & the Bay of Plenty
What Head Medical can do for you
Arranging a position overseas is very exciting, but we understand that it can also be daunting and time consuming. We’re the UK’s specialist in international medical recruitment and we’ve helped many Doctors relocate since we first started out in 2008 (you can read what people have said about working with us on our testimonials page). We know it’s important to balance career opportunities with lifestyle and we’ll talk through your plans and will get to know you to make sure we find the right role in the right location. Once we have secured a job for you, we’ll manage the Medical Registration and Visa application process, and support you (and your family) with the relocation itself.