Head Medical is seeking resident doctors for Psychiatry opportunities located in the beautiful Bay of Plenty region. This role is perfect for a post foundation doctor with an interest in Psychiatry, ready to deepen their clinical experience in a supportive, hands-on environment while enjoying world-class beaches, relaxed coastal living, and a vibrant cultural community.
- Stunning coastal lifestyle – white sand beaches, native forests, and marine wildlife at your doorstep
- Supportive team environment – hands-on experience working closely with consultants
- Gateway to Aotearoa – explore the Bay of Plenty, with easy access to Tauranga, Rotorua & Auckland
- Salary -$96,870-$131,535 NZD per annum ( commensurate with experience)
- Minimum 12-month contract
The Role
The Bay of Plenty region is served by two hospitals: Tauranga Hospital, a 359-bed Level 2 facility, and Whakatāne Hospital, a 110-bed rural hospital. The Psychiatry teams at both sites are known for their supportive, collaborative environments and are made up of experienced consultants, registrars, house officers, psychologists, social workers, and community mental health professionals.
You will have the opportunity to rotate through inpatient and community-based services, attend regular multidisciplinary meetings, and participate in cultural competency training with a strong focus on Māori mental health. The teams are passionate about teaching, equity in healthcare, and fostering a nurturing space for resident doctors to grow clinically and professionally.
Working closely with consultants based in Whakatāne, you’ll be involved in:
- Liaising with GPs, nursing staff, psychologists, patients, and families
- Attending psychiatry and psychology meetings
- Managing both inpatient and outpatient services
- Gain exposure to mental health and addiction services
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.