Rural Emergency Physician - South Taranaki Rural Health

Permanent and short-term opportunities available

• Practise broad-spectrum rural emergency medicine with a high level of clinical autonomy. 
• Join a close-knit, supportive team with strong links to regional specialist services. 
• Enjoy opportunities to teach, mentor and develop your skills in beautiful South Taranaki. 

About the role 

At Hāwera Hospital, you'll practise medicine that is personal, practical and grounded in the community. Our team values collaboration, mutual respect and continuity of care, working closely with Rural Hospital Medical Specialists, General Practitioners, specialist nurses and Allied Health professionals. 

Our 11-bed Emergency Department sees approximately 1,500 patients each month. Rural Health Specialists and Emergency Department Medical Officers work rotating shifts, supported by the Taranaki Base Hospital Emergency Department SMO group, to deliver a 24/7 emergency service. 

You'll work across three shifts: 

• Morning: 8:00am - 4:00pm 
• Afternoon: 1:30pm - 9:30pm 
• Night: 8:30pm - 8:30am 

For much of your shift, you will be the sole doctor on duty, providing clinical independence and variety across rural emergency presentations. Morning and afternoon shifts overlap to support handover and collaboration. 

A Resident Medical Officer is usually rostered alongside you. Experienced Clinical Nurse Specialists provide a fast-track service for lower-acuity patients, helping medical staff focus on higher-acuity presentations. 

After hours, you will also provide medical oversight for patients in our 15-bed rural inpatient medical ward until the inpatient team arrives the following morning. This offers an opportunity to maintain and develop acute inpatient medicine skills alongside your emergency practice.

Clinical support and facilities 

You'll work with skilled ED nurses and have access to: 

• On-site X-ray and laboratory services, available 24/7 
• An evolving telemedicine service 
• Allied Health and regional specialist support 
• Established transfer pathways, including helicopter retrieval and Hato Hone St John ambulance teams 

Hāwera Hospital does not have a CT scanner. Taranaki Base Hospital, our secondary referral centre, is approximately one hour away by road, with established pathways for patients requiring a higher level of care. 

Together, these services support comprehensive care closer to home for our South Taranaki community. 

Our team and your development 

Hāwera Hospital brings primary and secondary services together to deliver compassionate, integrated rural healthcare. We are committed to health equity, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support an inclusive, innovative workplace. 

As part of our team, you will: 

• Work in an accredited Rural Hospital alongside Rural Hospital Medicine trainees. 
• Collaborate with an experienced interdisciplinary team and secondary and tertiary services. 
• Help shape systems that respond to community needs and improve health equity. 
• Teach and mentor medical students and registrars, with opportunities for honorary lecturer privileges.
• Contribute to forward-thinking, environmentally sustainable approaches to community wellbeing. 

Life in South Taranaki 

From surfing after a shift to exploring Mount Taranaki or spending time with your whānau, South Taranaki offers beautiful coastlines, fresh air and a strong sense of community. Find out more about living and working in Taranaki - click here.

Working at Health New Zealand 

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities. 

How to apply 

Click 'Apply now' to submit your application through our online careers portal. All applications must be submitted online. 

For questions about the role, please contact: 

• Rory Kennelly, Head of Department, Hāwera ED, GP and Inpatient Unit: rory.kennelly@tdhb.org.nz
• Kate McCrea, General Manager - STRH: Kate.McCrea@tdhb.org.nz

We review applications as they are received and may proceed with recruitment before the closing date.