International Orthopaedic Surgeons - New Zealand roles

Orthopaedic Surgeons provide specialist surgical care for conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking qualified Orthopaedic Surgeons to deliver high-quality surgical services across New Zealand.

Orthopaedic surgery roles in New Zealand

Orthopaedic Surgeons work in secondary and tertiary hospitals. Clinical activities may include:

• Elective and emergency orthopaedic surgery, including trauma, joint replacement, and fracture management
• Spinal, upper limb and lower limb surgical procedures
• Pre-operative assessment and post-operative inpatient care
• Participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and care planning
• Collaboration with physiotherapists, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals

Depending on the role, Orthopaedic Surgeons may also contribute to teaching, supervision of trainees, service development, quality improvement initiatives, or regional outreach services.

What it's like to work here

Orthopaedic Surgeons work in hospitals with access to operating theatres, diagnostic imaging, and inpatient facilities required for orthopaedic 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. Orthopaedic Surgeons 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 before arrival with a job offer.

New Zealand offers diverse 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 an Orthopaedic Surgeon in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.

You will typically need an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Orthopaedic Surgery and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.

International Orthopaedic Surgeons are granted provisional vocational registration initially and must complete a period of supervised practice prior to 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 heart 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.