International Anaesthetists - New Zealand roles

You deliver safe, expert care when it matters most—now it's time to find the same care and clarity in your own career. Whether it's more work-life balance, professional development, or the chance to explore stunning landscapes, New Zealand has something for you.

At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join a collaborative team providing high-quality anaesthesia and perioperative care across a range of clinical specialties. We're welcoming qualified Anaesthetists to help improve health outcomes for our communities.

What makes anaesthesia different in New Zealand

Anaesthesia practice in New Zealand offers unique opportunities that set it apart from other countries:

Broad generalist practice: Most roles require a comprehensive scope covering acute and elective surgical, obstetric, and radiological interventional procedures. You'll develop or maintain skills across multiple areas rather than focusing narrowly on one subspecialty.

Variety in every role: Secondary and rural hospitals provide diverse clinical exposure—from general surgery and orthopaedics to obstetrics, trauma, and emergency cases. No two days are the same.

Smaller, collaborative teams: Work closely with colleagues in supportive, multidisciplinary environments where your voice matters and you can shape service delivery.

Comprehensive training recognition: New Zealand's anaesthesia training through ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) is recognised as one of the most rigorous and comprehensive programs globally, requiring 7 years total including 5 years of advanced training across all subspecialties.

Rural and regional opportunities: For those seeking adventure beyond the operating theatre, many roles include rural outreach services, providing care to remote communities with stunning natural surroundings.

Opportunities across Health New Zealand

Anaesthetists work in secondary and tertiary hospitals across New Zealand, often as part of generalist or subspecialist teams. Clinical areas may include:

• General surgery and orthopaedics
• Cardiac, neuro and paediatric anaesthesia (in larger centres)
• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• Trauma and emergency surgery
• Pre-assessment clinics and perioperative optimisation
• Intensive care or pain services (depending on role)

Depending on the location, you may also contribute to education, simulation, quality improvement or rural outreach services.

What it's like to work here

Anaesthetists are respected clinical leaders in the surgical and critical care teams. You'll work with experienced theatre staff and have access to modern equipment and monitoring systems.

You'll benefit from:

• Supportive and multidisciplinary environments
• Access to peer networks, CME and sabbatical entitlements
• Collegial teams and protected non-clinical time
• Flexible work options depending on the service
• Opportunities to shape service delivery and education

We're committed to supporting your career, wellbeing and family life.

Call New Zealand home

If you receive a job offer, our Health Immigration Service can support you and your whānau (family) with free relocation advice. Anaesthetists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for residency immediately.

New Zealand offers alpine adventures, coastal escapes, vibrant cities and a strong sense of community. Whether you're into hiking, skiing, food, or simply enjoying a slower pace, your new life awaits.

Salary, benefits and leave

Salary:

• The average salary package for Psychiatrists in New Zealand is NZ $343,500.
• Packages are comprised of a base salary based on experience, plus allowances, and superannuation per the ASMS collective agreement.   

Benefits:

• You'll receive an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of NZ $16,000,
• paid 3-month sabbaticals every 6 years,
• your indemnity insurance covered by Health NZ,
• your professional fees and subscriptions fully reimbursed,
• complimentary visa and immigration support,
• plus a tailored relocation package to make your move, if eligible.

Leave:

• You'll get 6 weeks of annual leave,
• generous discretionary sick leave, 
• 12 public holidays, paid T1.5 + time in lieu if worked, 
• and 14 weeks paid parental leave alongside the government's 26-weeks,

Please note that actual packages are negotiated at the time of offer, reflecting your specific clinical specialty, experience level, and geographic location.

What you need to work here

To practise as an Anaesthetist in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.

You'll typically need to hold an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZCA) and meet the Council's requirements for registration.

Note: All international Anaesthetists are granted provisional vocational registration initially and must complete a period of supervised practice (6-18 months) before applying for full vocational registration.

Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Te Whatu Ora means "the weaving of wellness." We are building a single, unified health system that delivers equitable and high-quality care across the motu (country). Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people—including Māori, Pacific Peoples, those from ethnic communities, disabled people and the Rainbow community.

Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders. Through collaboration, innovation and shared purpose, we aim to create a health system where everyone can thrive.

Ready to make a difference?

Our international recruitment team can support you through the application, registration and immigration process—and help you find the right place to call home.

Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.