Head Medical is seeking post foundation doctors for a rotational post at Whakatāne Hospital, located in New Zealand’s stunning Bay of Plenty region. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience across Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, all within a supportive and progressive hospital environment.
- Diverse clinical exposure – rotate through Emergency Medicine, Paediatrics and O&G
- Live the beach life – relax after shifts on white sand beaches or hike through native forests
- Warm, welcoming community – Whakatāne offers an unbeatable mix of lifestyle and learning
- Commencing February 2027 – 12 month contract
- Salary NZD $96,870-$128,693 per annum ( depending on experience)
The Role
This is an excellent opportunity for a doctor who has completed Foundation Training and is seeking an opportunity to broaden their clinical skills and knowledge within Paediatrics.
As a Paediatric Senior House Officer, you'll join a supportive and well-established team, gaining exposure to both General Paediatrics and Neonatology. Working alongside experienced Registrars and Consultants, you'll be involved in the assessment and management of a wide range of acute and elective paediatric presentations while developing confidence in caring for infants, children, and young people in both inpatient and acute care settings.
The Location

Whakatāne offers an unbeatable combination of lifestyle and location. Situated in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, it’s known for its warm climate, natural beauty, and relaxed pace of life - ideal for doctors looking to strike the right balance between meaningful work and quality downtime.
Enjoy:
- Over 50km of pristine coastline – including Ōhope Beach, regularly voted New Zealand’s most loved beach
- Incredible outdoor lifestyle – surfing, paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and kayaking all on your doorstep
- A welcoming and laid-back community – perfect for those looking to settle somewhere peaceful yet well-connected
- Proximity to key hubs – just 1 hour to Tauranga (NZ’s fastest growing city) and 3.5 hours to Auckland
- Easy travel options – daily flights to Auckland make international and domestic connections simple
Whether it’s an early morning surf, a weekend hike, or simply soaking up the coastal charm, Whakatāne offers the kind of lifestyle most only dream of.
Find out more about the region here Bay of Plenty and Whakatane
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.