Ready to take the next step in your Psychiatry career?
Head Medical is seeking post foundation doctors for Psychiatry opportunities located in Palmerston North. Join a supportive regional mental health service, gaining broad experience across acute and community-based psychiatry while enjoying everything the Manawatū region has to offer.
- Broad Psychiatry experience – gain exposure to adult/general psychiatry, acute inpatient care, community services and addiction services within a regional mental health network.
- Supportive clinical environment – work alongside experienced psychiatrists and a multidisciplinary team, with opportunities for teaching, supervision and professional development.
- Meaningful experience – develop your skills in psychiatric assessment and management within a diverse service supporting patients across the MidCentral region.
- 12-month opportunity in Palmerston North – combine valuable clinical experience with an active outdoor lifestyle, short commutes and easy access to Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and the North Island’s mountains and beaches.
- Salary $101,492 -$143,198 NZD (depending on experience)
The Role
Palmerston North Hospital provides a broad range of Mental Health and Addiction Services across the MidCentral region, offering doctors the opportunity to gain experience across acute inpatient and community-based psychiatry. The service includes adult/general psychiatry, inpatient mental health, child and adolescent psychiatry and addiction services, working as part of multidisciplinary teams alongside psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, social workers and other allied health professionals. The hospital's acute mental health service is based within Ngā Wai Ngāro, a modern 28-bed inpatient facility providing care for people requiring acute mental health assessment and treatment. For doctors joining the MidCentral service, there is a strong emphasis on learning, clinical support, and multidisciplinary working. Health New Zealand highlights dedicated senior medical officer support for resident medical officers across its Palmerston North services, with regular departmental and general education sessions.
This provides an excellent environment for post-foundation doctors looking to develop their understanding of psychiatric assessment and management while gaining experience within a well-supported regional mental health service.
The Location

Located in the heart of New Zealand's North Island, Palmerston North is a vibrant university city with a population of around 80,000. It offers the convenience of city living without the long commutes, with excellent cafés, restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities alongside easy access to the outdoors. The Manawatū is particularly well suited to those who enjoy an active lifestyle, with hiking, cycling, kayaking, and skiing all within easy reach. Wellington is around two hours away, while the Hawke's Bay wine region and West Coast beaches are ideal for weekend trips. For those looking for a quieter lifestyle, the nearby town of Feilding offers a strong community feel and easy access to Palmerston North.
Find out more about the region here Palmerston North and the Manawatu 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.