International Neurosurgeons - New Zealand roles

Neurosurgeons provide specialist surgical care for patients with neurological conditions in hospital settings. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking qualified Neurosurgeons to deliver high-quality neurosurgical services across New Zealand.

Neurosurgery roles in New Zealand

Neurosurgeons work in tertiary hospitals and are involved in the assessment, diagnosis and surgical management of patients with neurological conditions. Clinical activities may include:

• Operative management of brain, spinal and peripheral nerve conditions
• Emergency and elective neurosurgical procedures as part of on-call duties
• Pre-operative assessment and post-operative inpatient care
• Participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and service planning
• Coordination with intensive care, anaesthesia, nursing and allied health teams

Depending on the role, Neurosurgeons may also contribute to teaching, supervision of trainees, service development, quality improvement initiatives or regional referral support.

What it's like to work here

Neurosurgeons work with multidisciplinary teams in hospitals equipped with operating theatres, intensive care units and diagnostic services required for neurosurgical practice.

Employees are entitled to:

• Access to peer networks, continuing medical education and sabbatical entitlements
• Protected non-clinical time
• Flexible work options depending on the service
• Opportunities to participate in service development, teaching and quality improvement

Call New Zealand home

Health New Zealand can provide relocation support through the Health Immigration Service. Neurosurgeons are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, which makes them eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and allows them to apply for residency immediately.

New Zealand offers urban, regional and rural centres for professional practice across the country.

Salary and benefits

Base salary: NZD $185,380 – $267,980 (based on the ASMS collective agreement, depending on experience)

Additional compensation: On-call and availability allowances where applicable

Employees also receive:

• Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate costs
• Funded continuing medical education allowance (NZD $16,000 per year pro-rata)
• CME leave (up to 10 days per year)
• Six weeks of annual leave per year
• Twelve paid public holidays
• Long service, special leave and sabbatical entitlements
• Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

What you need to work here

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

You must hold an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Neurosurgery and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.

International Neurosurgeons are granted provisional vocational registration initially and must complete a period of supervised practice (usually 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 unified health system that delivers equitable, high-quality care across the country. Our people are at the centre of everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people—including Māori, Pacific Peoples, 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.

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 work in New Zealand.

Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.