International Pain Medicine Specialists - New Zealand roles

Pain Medicine Specialists in New Zealand work in dynamic, collaborative environments that prioritise patient-centred care and professional development. At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, you'll join multidisciplinary teams delivering comprehensive pain management for individuals with complex conditions.

About the role

Pain Medicine Specialists implement biopsychosocial assessment and management for individuals experiencing acute, chronic, or complex pain. Their responsibilities span clinical care, interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and service development, ensuring high-quality care across hospital and community settings.

Opportunities across Health New Zealand

Clinical responsibilities for Pain Medicine Specialists may include:

• Comprehensive pain assessment: Conduct biopsychosocial evaluations and develop individualised management plans addressing medical, psychological, and social aspects of pain. Work closely with patients, families, and referring agencies.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Participate in multidisciplinary teams including physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other medical specialists. Collaborate with palliative care, alcohol and drug services, and other services for integrated care.
• Clinical management: Provide inpatient and outpatient assessments for acute, chronic, and complex pain cases. Assist in patient education programmes for self-management.
• Pain interventions: Perform minimally invasive procedures, such as nerve blocks and other interventional techniques, depending on scope of practice.
• Education and mentorship: Teach and mentor registrars, house officers, and other healthcare professionals. Educate patients through individual and group consultations.
• Service development: Engage in quality improvement initiatives, clinical audits, research, and development of clinical pathways to enhance patient care.

Burwood Pain Management Centre

Located in Christchurch, Burwood Pain Management Centre provides interdisciplinary care for individuals living with chronic pain. The centre focuses on restoring functionality, improving quality of life, and empowering patients through evidence-based self-management strategies. It offers opportunities to work in a supportive, collaborative team environment.

What it's like to work here

Pain Medicine Specialists are respected clinical leaders. You'll work alongside nurses, allied health professionals, and other medical specialists in hospital and outpatient settings. Employees benefit from:

• Supportive, multidisciplinary teams
• Opportunities for teaching, mentoring, research, and service development
• Protected non-clinical time and flexible work options
• Access to Continuing Medical Education (CME) funding and leave

Call New Zealand home

Health New Zealand can support you and your whānau with relocation advice through the Health Immigration Service. Pain Medicine Specialists are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, making you eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa and allowing residency applications before arrival.

New Zealand offers safe, welcoming communities, free public healthcare and schooling, and diverse urban and regional living options to suit your lifestyle and family needs.

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

Additional entitlements include:

• Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate costs
• Funded CME 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 Pain Medicine Specialist 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 require a qualification in Pain Medicine recognised by MCNZ and meet the requirements for vocational registration.

International Pain Medicine Specialists may be granted provisional vocational registration initially and must complete a period of supervised practice 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 New Zealand. 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 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 application, registration, and immigration processes—and help you find the right place to work in New Zealand.

Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.