Looking for an opportunity to develop your Intensive Care experience while experiencing one of New Zealand’s most desirable lifestyle regions?
Head Medical is seeking post-foundation doctors with at least 12 months’ experience in Anaesthetics and/or Intensive Care for an exciting opportunity in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience within a busy secondary hospital, while enjoying an outstanding coastal lifestyle outside of work.
- Excellent clinical experience – gain exposure to adult and paediatric Intensive Care, major trauma, complex medical presentations and inter-hospital transfers within a busy regional service.
- Modern 400-bed hospital – join one of New Zealand’s largest provincial hospitals, providing acute and elective care to a population of more than 162,000.
- Fantastic lifestyle location – live in Hastings or nearby Napier, with beautiful beaches, award-winning wineries, outdoor pursuits and high sunshine hours.
- Ideal OOP opportunity – an excellent option for doctors looking to broaden their clinical skills and gain experience within the New Zealand healthcare system.
- Commencing December 2026 – 12 month contract
The Role
You will be based in a large, modern 400-bed secondary hospital, one of the biggest provincial hospitals in New Zealand, providing both acute and elective care to a population of more than 162,000. The hospital provides a wide range of services, including surgical, medical, oncology and radiology services, alongside outreach care to rural communities.
Within the Intensive Care Unit, you will gain exposure to both adult and paediatric patients, including major trauma, complex medical presentations, and inter-hospital transfers.
The ICU is supported by an experienced team including 8 Intensive Care Consultants, 12 Intensive Care Registrars, specialist nurses, educators, and dedicated managers, providing a supportive environment in which to develop your clinical skills and experience.
The hospital’s Emergency Department sees approximately 46,000 attendances each year, with around 30% of patients admitted, providing excellent exposure to a broad range of acute and high-acuity presentations.
This role offers excellent hands-on experience and would be particularly attractive to doctors considering an out-of-programme experience in New Zealand, while looking to develop their Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and acute medicine skills.
The Location
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Hawke’s Bay sits on the stunning east coast of New Zealand’s North Island and offers an exceptional combination of professional opportunity and lifestyle.
You can choose to live in Hastings or nearby Napier, the region’s vibrant Art Deco city, known for its relaxed atmosphere, culture and excellent food and wine scene.
The region offers:
- Award-winning vineyards and wineries, with an excellent reputation for both red and white wines.
- Stunning outdoor destinations including Te Mata Peak, Waimārama Beach and Cape Kidnappers.
- Extensive cycling trails, premier golf courses and vibrant farmers’ markets.
- A year-round calendar of music, food and wine festivals.
- High sunshine hours and a warm, Mediterranean-style climate.
- Excellent domestic connectivity, with regular flights to Auckland and Wellington.
Hawke’s Bay offers the perfect opportunity to combine valuable clinical experience with an enviable New Zealand lifestyle.
Learn more about the Hawke’s Bay region here
What Head Medical can do for you
Head Medical is a specialist international healthcare recruitment company and has been helping doctors relocate to Australia, New Zealand and beyond since 2008. From identifying the right opportunity through to regulatory applications and relocation, we provide free guidance and support throughout the process. We also have qualified and licensed Immigration Advisers within our team who can assist with migration planning and visa applications for Australia and New Zealand. The services of our licensed Immigration Advisers are provided as an additional service, with any applicable fees discussed in advance.