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Job summary

Main area
Rheumatologists
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time
Employer
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Employer type
Public (Non NHS)
Town
Hutt, Wellington, Kenepuru and Masterton Hospitals
Closing
18/08/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora logo

Rheumatologists

  • Take the next step in your career as a Rheumatologist in beautiful New Zealand
  • Two positions available: Wellington Region (Hutt, Wellington, Kenepuru and Masterton Hospitals) and Lakes (Rotorua and Taupō Hospitals)

We currently have two rheumatologist opportunities available across the country, each offering the chance to join a supportive multidisciplinary team, contribute to a growing service, and enjoy an outstanding lifestyle.

About the roles

In Wellington, you'll join a district-wide service committed to patient-centred care through active disease management and shared decision-making, working in partnership with patients to control symptoms, prevent joint and organ damage, minimise disability, and support long-term wellbeing. You'll provide comprehensive rheumatology care across outpatient clinics, inpatient consultations, and the acute on-call roster.

At Lakes, you'll help shape and grow a rheumatology service serving a diverse and expanding population across Rotorua and Taupō. The role covers diagnosis and management of all rheumatology conditions, inpatient and outpatient care, participation in regional rheumatology networks, and active involvement in chronic pain and fracture liaison services.

Both roles call for clinicians with a strong commitment to high-quality, compassionate care and a genuine interest in developing the service around them.

About the teams

Our Wellington team comprises seven rheumatologists and five nurses who provide strong collegial support and work closely together to deliver high-quality patient care, with ongoing investment in the service including expanding musculoskeletal ultrasound capability.

At Lakes, you'll join a dynamic, progressive multidisciplinary department, with Rotorua Hospital's proud history of training registrars, house officers, and medical students offering a rewarding professional development environment for the right candidate.

About the locations

Wellington offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent cafés and restaurants, reliable public transport, and easy access to beaches, parks, and walking trails, with surrounding communities like Hutt Valley and Porirua (15-30 minutes from the centre) and the Kāpiti Coast (40-60 minutes away) offering family-friendly living within easy reach of the capital.

The Lakes district, covering Rotorua and Taupō, is fast becoming one of New Zealand's most sought-after lifestyle destinations, known for its outdoor recreation, family-friendly beaches, and growing multicultural community. For more information about living and working in Rotorua and Taupo, please click here.

About you

You will:

  • be vocationally registered (or eligible for registration) in Internal Medicine (Rheumatology) with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), FRACP or equivalent
  • be a strong team player, professional, energetic, and driven, able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary service
  • be committed to consistently high standards of compassionate, patient-centred care
  • have relevant experience and training, with a curious mind and genuine interest in service development
  • be willing to contribute to the education and training of medical, nursing, and allied health staff.

Call New Zealand home

Once offered a position, our internal Health Immigration team can provide free support to you and your family with immigrating to New Zealand. Senior Medical Officers are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Immigration Green List, which means you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive.

One of the best things about living and working in New Zealand is the opportunity to experience nature, outdoor adventure and vibrant cities close to where you live and work. You're never far away from your next adventure in New Zealand with access to hiking, skiing, mountain biking, water sports, fine dining, and diving into traditional experiences to learn more about Māori culture across the country.

Salary, benefits and leave

Salary:

  • The average salary package for Rheumatologists in New Zealand is GBP ~£149,604 (NZD $343,500)
  • Packages are comprised of a base salary based on experience, plus allowances, and superannuation per the ASMS collective agreement

Benefits

You will receive:

  • an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of GBP ~£6,968 NZD $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
  • 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
  • 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.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome all applications including those from diverse Māori, Pacific disabled and rainbow communities.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for the Wellington vacancy, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact Sandra Tam [email protected]

To apply for the Lakes vacancy, please click here. If you have questions, please contact Dr Susan DeCaigney, Head of Medicine Department [email protected] and/or Beth Copeland, SMO Senior Recruitment Officer [email protected]

If you're not sure which vacancy suits you best, or would like to talk through the opportunities, please contact our International Recruitment team [email protected]

We only accept online applications.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Apply now

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
PO Box 793
Wellington 6140
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